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GERTRUDE MASON! 



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FOTTB. ACTS. 



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JlKiS 1883, 






—COPYRIGHT SECURED— 



BUCHANAN, MICH. 

INDEPENDENT " BOOK AND JOB ROOMS. 

1883. 





Ar 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1883, by 

MARY M. SHEDD, 
in the OflSce of the i librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



GERTRUDE MASON 



A DRAMA 



IN 



FOUR ACTS. 



James Hilton - - - A Wealthy Banker of Glendale. 
Charles Vaughn - - Collegiate and Banker of Banchester. 
Ernest Vaughn - - - - Son of Charles Vaughn. 

Harry Hanford - - - - Young Lawyer of Glendale. 
HoFius Thaddeus Haskins - Country Nephew of James Hilton. 

Hesther Howard House Keeper. 

Harold Watson - - - - Brother-in-law of Mrs. Howard. 
LocENo DiLUPPA . . . - . Italian Music Teacher. 
Mabel Bilton * ^- - - - Daughter of James Hilton. 

(iERTRlIDE MASON - - Orpliaii Niece of James HiJIon. 

MiNNTE 'Watson . - - - Daughter of Harold Watson. 

Sue Wright Hofins' Sweet-heart. 

Nora McCarty Servant. 

Tim Finnegan Nora's Lover. 



BUCHANAN, MICH. 

■ INDEPENDENT " BOOK AND JOB KOOMS, 
1883. 



Gei^tp^udb GQason, 



ACT I. SCENE r. 



Parlor elec/antfy furnished — two chairs: Enter Hilton from 
left^ Vaughn following. 

IIiLTox:— (7>o>/i out-side) '* Come in James; this is an 
unexpected pleasure; be seated." i^bothsit', Vaughn at right.) 
" It hasbeeu a lon^- time since I saw you ; not since I was at 
Ranchester, three years ag-o." 

Vaughn: — ' Yes, I really believe it liasbeen three years.' 

Hilton.-—" We grow old so rapidly, it would be better to 
see each other occasionally, that we ma^^ not forget." 

Vaughn :— " I think it is out of the question for you and 
1 to forget each other ; but to tell you the truth James, you 
are getting to be so old and homely, it is more disagreeable to 
look at you, than you may think." 

Hii/rox : — " 1 acknowledge it now ; but when we were 
young and at college together, you where in the shade. But 
I am not going to quarrel with you if you are a little better 
looking now, as it never troubled vou when i was at the 
head." 

Vaughn :—" Why do you think it did not trouble me? 
1 have thought seriously of murdering you at several different 
times, but I am thankful that I did not; for now I have the 
sweet satisfaction of being best looking." 

Hilton: — " I acknowledge it. Say, by the way, did your 
son, Ernest, accompany you to the city?" 

Vaughn : — '' No, he is coming this week." 

Hilton: — '' Ernest is still unmarried I presume?" 



4 (GERTRUDE >rASOX. 

and we sincerely hope you will care for eacii other. [Mabel 
starts) Ernest is a model young nuin, very much like his 
lather; thoughtful, kind to the poor and the uniting of your 
fortunes would place both indcDendent for life. By doing 
this, Mabel, you would confer a life-long, blessing upon us and 
I feel as though it could not be otherwise." 

Mabel:— Why Papa— supposing we were not agreeable to 
each other, would you have us marry contrary to our wishes? 

Hilton:—" Certainly not, my dear, if it could be prevented; 
but Mabel, you were raised in luxury and to live without it 
life would be a burden. You know nothing of want, there- 
fore, if love or wealth must be omitted, love should be the 
sacrifi3e." 

Mabel :— " Judging the future from the past, I do not think 
there will be much love sacrificed on my part. Oh ! dear, I 
did not want to marry any one; but then, Papa, if you really 
wish it I will do so to please you, for it is nothing to me parti- 
cularly. But Ernest may object ? At least, I should think he 
would if he is a sensible young man." 

Hilton : — " Mabel, I want you to think of it seriously, and 
do try to be a little more dignified ; you lost a great deal of 
your dignity In your visit to the country last summer. I do 
not object to your nonsense my dear, but Ernest is retiued and 
elegant, and it may displease him. By pleasing him you 

please your father." 

Mabel : — " I know I'll not please him, I know it ! I never 
possessed any amount of dignity, but my visit in the country 
gave less, and more of real life. Papa, they did not live in 
luxury, and there life w^as not a burden." 

Hilton: — "A few weeks of such a life are enjoyable, but 
for a live time, it would be misery to you. [Goes to her^ puts 
his hand on her head.) Do not think I want to scold you, my 
little pet, but try to be a little more earnest in manners — a lit- 
tle more dignity, that's all. 

Mabel: — "I presume I will do something wrong, awfully 
stupid, [rises.) " I know he will dislike me; I know he cannot 
ever care so much for me as you do. If I must marry him, I 
want to stay here. I could not leave you. Papa, to' go with 
any one." 

Hilton : — "Do not be loolish darling, you will feel differ- 
ently. Mabel, when I married your mother, I cared more for 
her, and she for me, than it is possible for a child to care for a 
parent. You will some day know the strength of love." 



<iEUTKU{)I-: .M.VSON. T) 

Mabet. : — " Then. Papa voii did notmarrv for mere fortune, 
did you V" 

Hilton: — "No! No! but people nowadays must have 
wealth. What could you do witn out it ? Think of it, Mabei, 
and try to fee! as I do. But I must arrange my papers, for 
Ernest may be here any moment." [Ilrif, left.) 

Mabel:— "Now! don't that beat all? Why that is the 
very last thins? I should h'ave thought of doing. Getting 
married! ialling in love! dead earnest, as cousin Hofius says. 
Falling in love and getting married or, getting married then 
fal! in love. Ha! ha ! but T would not do that — no sir! if I 
cm't iall in love, and awfully, too, why 1 shall not marry, and 
l-*apa would never compel me to do it, either. He would 
never (compel me to do anything I disliked, I always have my 
own way. Yes, I suppose papa would be happy if Ern*^stand 
I siiould fall in love, first sight, Ernest propose, I accept, get 
marrie<i and go to keeping house, and lie come visiting. Of 
course, it is all right, but I feel as though I was being peddled 
for— oh, mercy, mercy ! There are words that would be appro- 
priate to !ny feeliiigs, and if I was down in the country with 
I'ousin Hotius I'd spit 'em out, too; but Papa says I nmst be 
Fiiore dignified He his determined to have me take Ernest, 
perha} s I had better. Yet, I cannot help tiiinking what a 
difference there is between Papa and I in the selection of a 
husband. The one I would select would becom'i^elled to exer- 
cise brain and muscle to get his living: a good character, good 
looking, not acentof hisown. poorand proud. But I presume 
Papa thinks 1 couldn't work, but I know better. I would 
like to work as ^'ousin Grace did, (?own in the country ; great 
dish apron on, sleeves rolled np to her chin, hands splashing 
in the dish water, clearing oif the table, gathering up the 
crumbs for the chickens, cows, pigs and horses. 1 know I 
would make a good farmer's wife. Yes, I wuuld do all that 
for some poor fellow's sake; presume I shall never have the 
pleasure of choosing for myself; seems as though everything 
disagreealile is happening at once. Mrs. Howard tries to 
make Papa think that she has been accustomed to elegance 
and is nov*^ obliged to depend, principally, on her labor, and 
Papa is always so good to the poor, he is quite willing to lend 
a sympathizing ear, and she tr/ing to make love to Papa !" 

{BeU r'mgs^ enter Nora ^ Jeft.) 

Nora : — "A gentleman to see your father," 

Mabel: — [looking at card] Ernest Vaughn, my future 
husband, I suppose. Here, Nora, give this to Papa and show 



6 GERTRUDE MASOX. 

the gentleman into the library." 

Nora:— "Say, say, Miss Mabel, is this your intendfd for 
sure?" 

Mabel:— "No! no! Nora; you may dust the room when 
you return, [exit Novo.) I wonder if Ernest is goino: to feel as 
silly as I do! he! he! I feel silly enough and presume I will 
act accordingly. Well, now I'must be womanly, dignified, 
grand and glorious, to please Papa and Ernest. I suppos9 
Papa wondej's why I do not come in the library. I may as 
well start, so here goe« to fall in love!" [Exit.] Enter Nora 
at left. 

Nora: — [dusting)'' W^Al, 1 niver seed the loike of Miss 
Mabel snappmg me up in that way ! I tell yis it wouldn't be 
Nora McCarty that would be ashamed of sich an illegantchap 
as that. No, no, ha! ha! I'd not be ashamed of that young 
gintleman, not me. [laughing] [Enter 3Irs. Howard.) Ah! 
goodness mercy! yis almost scared the sinses out of me." 

Howard :— [sternly) " Nora, who is in Mr. Hilton's library?" 

Nora: — "A young gintleman. I'll tell yis, Mrs. H:>ward, 
but plase keep still about it; I raley belave it is Miss Mabel's 
intended husband. Now don't you brathe it for the world, 
but I raley, raley belave it is her swate-heart. Ah ! he is a 
6ecm^?/w^ young man ! " 

Howard : — " I only wish it was some one to marry her and 
take her away from here." 

Nora : — " Now that is quare talk ! I teil yis, Mrs. Howard, 
this a better place than you would find if yis were to advertise 
a month." 

Howard: — "I "^ardly think I would advertise ! [While 
Nora is ducting Mrs. Howard steps to one side and talks to her- 
self) Yes, indeed, I wish she would marry, then I would be 
sure of winning Mr. Hilton. He has sympathy for the poor, 
but that daughter, Mabel, — how I hate her! To be her 
servant is more than my proud nature can endure; yet he 
shall never know how I feel toward her." [Enter Hofius at 
left. Nora and Mrs. H. look astoiiished. ) 

HoFius:— " Good day ! I come round to the side door and 
found it unlocked so, I didn't stop to knock or ask any ques- 
tions. Is Mabel about? Mr. Hilton lives here, don't he." 

Howard;— (sferw^2/) " Why, sir, you must be a very inti- 
mate friend!" 

Hofius:— " Well, should rather say I was. His sister was 



(JKllTIil'DH MASON. 7 

my mother ; he is my uncle and Mabel is my cousin, my first 
cousin,;^too. Darn it ! I'd like to see her, but if she is busy I 
can wait, {takes neat^ Nora stands staring.) Plenty things to 
look at while I'm waiting." 

Howard ; — " Then you are a relative, are you?'' 

HoFius : — " Course I am. Why, didn't you ever hear 

Mabel speak of her Cousin Hofius ^Thaddeus Haskins what 

lives down at Squash Holler on the Mud Creek division ? 

Yes, I am her cousin, first cousin, too, and between you and 

me, I think a darn sight of her." 

Howard :— " Were the family expecting you ?" 
HoFius: — " I wrote to them, last winter, something about 
coming up here to study Elocution, so I guess they wont be 
much surprised to see me. Say ! [to Nora) if you are the hired 
girl just step round and tell Mabel, or ask her if she wouldn't 
be glad to see her Cousin Hofius? I bet, ha! ha! she will 
scamper in here quicker than you can say Jack Robinson. 
Now see if she don't. [Nora remains still looking at him,.) 
Well, stand there if you don't care aoout going, I enjoy look- 
ing round tolerable well, [exit Nora iy.)Now these walls are 
a darned sight higher than the room is wide, [to Mrs. H.) 
What did you say your name was?" 

Howard : — " I do not remember of telling my name, but 
ifyou are a nephew of Mr. Hilton's I would as soon tell ycu ; 
it is Mrs. Howard." 

Hofius:— "Why you needL't have told me 'till you got 
ready, I didn't care particularly ; but then you know "when a 
fellow is among strangers he must say something to keep the 
conversation going; then, folks from the country don't go 
much on brass." 

Howard: "No? You must excuse me as your cousin 
will soon be in." [Exit] Enter Mabel. 

Mabel: — "Why, Coz., you old darling, when did you 
arrive?" [Hofius shakes both hands. 

Hofius : — " Oh ! come about an hour ago. I had the 
blastedest time getting here ! I took the wrong car and didn't 
find it out till I had paid my five cents. Some darn city 
upstart said I had better have a label pinned on my hat. For 
tew cents I'd have pinned a black spot over his eye." 

Mabeu : — "Sit down, Coz. I came very near going down 
to your home again this summer, but could not. I am glad 
you are here. But did we not enjoy gathering apples anil 



K gertrudp: masox. 

riding on the great wagons of hay? I never ii id s > mu;*ii fun 
in my life!" 

HoFius :— " Fun ? fun is no where ! I was lonesome enouo-]> 
to die after you came home, and I iiever .snd down them oid 
straw stacks onee without thinking of you." 

Mabel:—" Ha! ha! O dear! I did enjoy myself, but Hof., 
if you should tell Papa that I did such rediculous things, he 
would be terribly shocked. D;m't; ever expose me. \BM 
rings, enter Nora ivlth letter which .she hands to 3fubeL She 
lookii at Hofias susplciousli/.) 

Nora : — " A letter for you, Miss Mabel." [Mabel takes letter 
and opens it. ) 

Mabel:—" It is from Cousin Gertie; I hope she is coming. 
1 will read it. [reads) 'Dear Mabel: At last I find my.^eif 
free from school, free from any duties that l)ind me here; 
therefore, I accept your kind invitation.' Yes she is coming : 

HoFius:— " Well, I never seen her, but if you are glad I 
am, too." 

Mabel : — " Yes, you must be glad, sne is so nice ; but I luust 
finish my letter; [reads] 'Three years ago to-day my mother 
died ; the ionJness of those years are known ordy to an orphan. 
No father to care for me, no mother to love me; dear Mal)ei, 
is life worth living? I am so lonely i long to be with you, as 
you and uncle are the only ones that seem to care for me. I 
shall be with you soon — to-morrow, perhaps. Until then, 
good bye ; 

Your Affectionate Cousin, 

Gektie. 

HoFius: — "I'll bet she is a boss girl, but that letter makes 
a feller teel kindy sober, don't it? Where does she live, any 
way?" 

Mabel: — " Here comes Papa and Mr. Vaughn. I must not 
smile again." [Enter Hilton, Ernest foUowing L. EI.) 

Hilton : — " Hofius, I am glad to see you ! [shakes hands and 
introduces Ernest) Mr. Vaughn, niy nephew, Mr. Haskins." 
Ernest bows, Hofius moves towird hUn ska 'i^e?, h tnds. 

Hofius :— " I am glad to know ybu sir, but I didn't under- 
stand the name?" [still holding Emest^s hand.) 

Ebnest: — "Vaughn is my name!" 

Hofius :—A-ha! [releases hand) why there used to be a 
family down in Squash Holler by that name; [raises voice) 
they stole all my father's chickens the last year the3^ were 



GERTRUDE MA80N. 9 

there, and bothered the geese most to death ; break their legs 
and pull out their wing* feathers. But they moved away a 
long time ago. Don't suppose they were any relation of yourn? 
but then the boys must be grown up by this time. You never 
lived near Squash Holler, did you?" 

Ernest :— " No, I do not know that I ever heard of the 
place." 

HoFius:— "Well, you don't look much like the Squash 
Holler chaps. You see, 'taint a very big town but we have a 
heap of fun down there, don't we, Mabel?" 

Mabel: — '* Yes, indeed." 

HoFius :— " Don't you remember we had fun [Mabel scotch 
at him) when we iiad so many nice buggy rides? You haven't 
told your father abput getting that letter." 

Mabel:— "No, I haven't. Paoa, I received a letter from 
Cousin Gertie, she will be here soon." 

Hilton: — "That will be pleasant for all of you, as she is a 
very interesting young lady ; her school is finished, is it not?" 
Ernest :— ( To Mabel) " Your cousin, did you say?" 
Mabel:—" Yes, sir; a young lady from Sand Hill." 

Ernest :—" The little hamlet we find only by means of 
stage?" 

Mabel : — " The same, sir; She will help to make your viait 
pleasant as she sings very prettily, but is rather timid." 

Ernest: — " i presume I shall enjoy her society, but really, 
I never fancied country innocense as much as a great many." 

Mabel: — " Yot may feel difi'erently ; for, with all her sim- 
plicity of manner, she possesses an uncommon amount of good 
sense, ever asDiring to fathom what others would call a mistery 
and let it pass. Enjoys music and pla.ys nicely. We have 
the same teacher, Loceno Diluppa, and he is very loud in his 
praise of her voice, and I think she will resume her music with 
me when she arrives." (Bell rings.) 

Hilton: — (Rising) "There is the bell for lunch; come 
Ernest and Hofius, we will have some refreshments." (Exit 
Bilton L.) 

Hofius: — " All right. I tell you I feel gant enough." 

Mabel: — "I must arrange this music as Loceno will oe 
here and I want him to examine it before I take my lesson." 
(arranges music tJten follows; enter Nora R.) 



10 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Nora:— [brushing h^irridly) " I tell vis I must fly around. 
I have two dozen things to do this very minnit. That cousin 
of Miss Mabel's is a quare looking chap. I thought I'd laugh 
the life out o' me to see the figger he makes. Ha ! he ! he I he 
looks the most like Tim of any body I've put me eyes on since 
I left ould Oireland. I do wonder if the young lady that 
is to be here soon is the curiosity that this gintleman is! If 
she IS we will have some of Barnum's foinest specimens. Um 
um, yis, yis, ha! ha! that cravat is about as short as the coat." 

Enter Loceno^ L. with guitar and music. 

LocENo:— (sefe guitar in corner.)! shall remain here until 
Mabel calls for me. Has Gertie arrived ?" 

Nora:— "No, sir; nobody has arrived but a young gintle- 
man." [Exit L J) 

LocENo :— " A gentleman ! a young gent^eman ! If he dares 
to come between Gertie and I he shall suffer. Ah, Gertrude 
Mason ! you do not love me as I do you ; but I saved your 
mother's life and she gave you to me. Yes, you have promised 
to marry me, [ivaiking around room) and your money is not 
objectionable. I know, little Gertie, you do not lov^e me as I 
do you, not enough to marry me, but you think a promise 
sacred as life, and you shall be made to keep it." [enter Xora L.) 

Nora: — "Please sir, Miss Mabel is a waiting for yis in the 
sitting room." [Exit Nora, Loceno following with guitar and 
music. Enter Hilton ivith paper, Ernest following. 

Hilton: — "Ernest, please be seated You will excuse me 
for half an hour or so. Here is the paper till I can join you, or 
Mabel will be in presently. I will return soon as possible." 

Ernest: — "I can amuse myself with the paper, thanks. 
[Exit Hilton at left.) I do not care for the paper, I have 
enough to think of at present without reading. So this Miss 
Mabel is the young lady my father wishes ine to wed I I know 
I am my fathers idol, and I thought I could never refuse to 
comply with any request he might make ; but I fear this is too 
much. She is far from pleasing to. me, and lam twice as dis- 
agreeable to her. I only hope we may feel differently, as 
pleasing my father is my greatest joy. [Enter Noixi at right. 
Two exjjressman follow with trunk ; she stands aside ; they pass 
her. 

Nora:— "Mr. 'Spressman, go straight ahead, through that 
door, [pointing at left entrance) turn at the right, go straight 
ahead through the hall, up that first flight of stairs, pass along 
to next door, [follows them out into the hall and is heard talk- 



(iKHTKUDE MASsON. 11 

ing without.) That isn't the door, but the next cloor right 
across the hall ; that door is the door, down wid the trunk! 
[set down trunk) Now come back the same way yis went. 
Nora appears, they pass by her and out, when Ernest speaks to 
her. 

Erxest : — " Nora, whose trunk is that ?" 

Nora : — " It is the property of Miss Mabel's cousin, Gertrude 
Mason. Ah ! she is a swate gairl ; very innocent gairl and 
its very pretty, too, ye'll find her." 

Ernest: — '' I do not doubt it. I presume she is very inno- 
cent, child-like and bland !" [Sneeringly.) 

Nora : — " Yis, your right. She is as innocent as the day is 
long." Exit L. 

Ernest: — [sneeringly] " I shall certainly have a delightful 
time ! Unsofisticated innocense ! And now I hope Harry 
will call in to-day, or soon, he would be of some service. One 
young lady too childish and frivolous for any heart ; the other 
80 much heart there can be no character! Nothing in either 
I so much admire in women. Mabel's only redeeming qual- 
ities are her independence and kindness to "the poor. I wish 
Harry was here!" [Enter Mabel, Gertie leunlng on her arm.) 

Mabel: — *' Mr. Vaughn, allow me the pleasure of intro- 
ducing my cousin. Miss Mason." [Ernest and Gertie bow.) 

Ernest : — " Miss Mason, I am pleased to meet you." 
(tERTIE: — [bowing] "Thanks. I am glad to know there 
is another depending on Cousin Mabel's hospitality." 

Ernest: — " Yes; but she is sometimes a little sarcastic, 
therefore I shall look to you for sympathy." [Mabel laughs^) 

CtErtie:—" Certainly ; the one most deserving my sym- 
pathy shall have it." 

Ernkst: — " Y"ou two are so devoted to each other, I am 
terribly afraid I sliall be slighted, therefore, I warn you to be 
cautious, as I am prepared to be jealous." 

Gertie:— " I do not believe you will have any cause for 
jealousy, as we would not slight you." 

Mabel: — "Ah! Gertie, that sounds just like your honest 
self; you would not offend ; Ernest is accustomed to having 
his own way. Now, it would be better for his health to have 
opposition occasionally. I do not intend to discommode my- 
self beyond reason for the sake of being too agreeable. 

Ernest: — " Even if you were, I have a faint idea the result 
would be a failure." \A(l faugh ; enter Loceno, left.] 



12 GERTlll'DE MASOX. 

LocENO:*— " I do not wish to disturb you, ladies, but do you 
wish to continue your lessons during Gertrude's visit?" 

Mabee:— " We are to continue ; we must learn some new 
duets." 

LocEXO:— " Very well ; I hope you will enjoy yourselves. 
[Looks at Gertie.) Remember your promise! [Exit left ; 
Gertie looks sad. ) 

Mabel:— " What can he mean? Why do you look su 
s:id, Gertie? I cannot see your face so gloomy, [Blses)) I 
must show you my flowers; they are beautiful, ar'n't they, 
Ernest? 

Ernest :—" Yes, very." [Mabel clenches her hat In mock 
tragedy. ) 

Mabel :— " Me hat ! let me clutch thee whilst I fly and pre- 
pare the wav for those who, perchance, may follow. [Tarns 
to them.) "You two are pen-hance." [Walks off in murch 
time, exit right ; Ernest bows low and offers arm to Gertie^ who 
rises and places hand on arm.) 

Ernest:— " We must be equal to the occasion, sir; come 
into the garden, Maud, We^'il view tiie little flowers fair." 
[Exit, folio ivlng Mabel', enter Nora replacing tidies on chairs.) 

Nora: — " Ah ! dear, I am nearly wild wid so much work. 
It's Nora here, it's Nora there, and Nora, Nora, everywhere. 
Och ! That's poecry [Looks out of the window.) Ah ! there 
they are, all the young men and girls. I'll tell yez: This 
love-making is awful swate. The swatest part of your life is 
in the love-making toime. I remember so well the avenin' I 
left oulcl Erin. I stood upon the shore, a'harkin' to tha roar. 
Ah ! shure an' that was another snatch of poecry —why, Nora, 
what are ye a'comin' to? Nothing veary strange for me; 
mither always told us children that we were all naturally born 
to be something ; but vil niver open me mouth to her about 
it. But, as I was standing on the shore a'harkin' to the roar, 
I looked down at me soide — there was me little parcel, me all, 
I said to meself, won't Tim come and kiss his swate-neart 
good-bye? Just that vary second some one tapped me on the 
shoulder and says : ' Nora, me darlint, must ye lave me ? 
[sobbing.) Me heart was throbbing, me eyes full o' tears; 
[ivipes eyes tclth a]?7^on) says oi, 'Tim, is it you?' Says Tim, 
Ms it you?' Then I smelt his breatii, an' I'knew it was Tim. 
[Sobbing.) Ah, Tim! don't yis remember whin ye said: 
' Nora, me darlint, must ye lave me?' Well, I clasped him in 
me arms and he clasped me in his arms, and then we stood 



(rEllTKL'DE MASON. 13 

wid both our arms around each other. Tim kissed me and I 
kissed Tim ; the many tlui' times I couldn't count. Then I 
stepped on tha ould boat, and soon I was moving^ away from 
ouid Oirland, and Tim Ah, Tim ! I can see yis standing- 
there, { waves her JkuicU) waving yer cap and crying ' farewell, 
Nora, farewell, farewell.' [Bell rings.) Ah, blast it! there 
goes the deviish bell. No use to talk ; Nora McCarthy can 
niver git the oppertunity to enjoy a little grafe." (Exif, left ; 
enter Mrs. Howard, with flowers.) 

Mrs. Howard: — "What beauties these flowers are. I do 
believe James Hilton loves me a little, or he would not send 
me such lovely boquets or delicacies during my sickness. He 
i s so ki nd ! " ( Re-enter Nora and arranges tidies. ] "Who rarig 
the bell, Nora?" 

Nora : — " A young gentleman, Mr. Ernest Vaughn, and X 
sent him into the garden wid the others, for you know they 
were all in there together; so I sint him out there, as I didn't 
want him a'hocking around tha house. Mr. Hilton wishes to 
see you a few minutes in the library, if you please." (Exit 
right. ] 

SCENE II. 

Small Grove Walk — {Enter Hojiiis, left.) 

HoFius:— " Well, this seems a little like home, only we 
can tind words all around us there, so we don't mow down 
every blade of grass that comes up. We let 'er go for the 
cows to gnaw off. Darn sight a fooling, here, about a little 
patch of woods, anyway. Now, Mabel says I must get a 
longer coat, longer coat tails, and long pants, and I'll bet if I 
had pants longer than these I'd have 'em all mud in less than 
half an hour. But, if Mabel says git 'em, I'll do it if we have 
to sell a cow. There's a darn sight of style banging around 
this house, any way, but I will act just as though I was good 
as any ortheni, until I get my new things. Then when I go 
back to Squash Holler, I guess Sue Wright's eyes will stick 
out for once. I don't see much of a chance for me to study 
elocution among all these parties, croquets, chess and checker, 
singing, etc., but guess I will go in the grove and see where 
they are." (Exit, right.) 

SCENE III. 
Grove — Flowers; (Harry and Mabel seated back; Gertie and 
Ernest near front on rustic seat ; Ernest talking devotedly to 
Gertie. 



H GEKTRUDR MASOX. 

Ernest : — " Dear Gertie, wiiy do you let so foolish a prom- 
ise as thas of Luceno trouble you a moment? You were young 
and promised under very sorrowful circumstances, and 1 
should not even think of it, unless you care for him." 

Gertie;—" Care tor him ? Oh ! Ernest, I f«el for him an 
aversion more bitter than I ever thought to have for any hu- 
man being." 

Ernest : — " My heart, heaven knows, pleads for you ; but 
you cannot dream of the horrible power there is for evil about 
that man if he chooses." 

Gertie:— "I know it, Ernest, I know^ it; but my mother 
taught me never to make a promise that 1 could not fulfill. 
It was my instruction from a little child ; it is instituted in 
my nature deep as my life, and as sacred." 

* Ernest: — " If you leave it to me, trust me. I am sure I 
can arrange it satislactorily, Will you not, Gertie." 

Gertie:— " What shall I do? Whenever I fight against 
him I see so plainly my mother's face telling me to keep my 
promise, as lie saved our lives. But, oh ! how intensely I 
hate him And yet, at times, I ha,ve felt irresistably impell- 
ed toward him, through the promise. Much as I loath him, 
to free myself from him entirely, seems an insurmountable 
obstacle." [Hilton enters back part unobserved and shows dis- 
pleasure, then retires.) 

Ernest:— "But, Gertie, if you can trust me, I am sure I 
can make him know how ridiculous such a promise is. Do 
not let it trouble you. [they arise mid walk towards Mabel and 
Harry.) Harry you and yours follow. We are going to iiave 
another game of— (^arry and Mabel follow them out at right 
entrance; scene closes in path as before in scene II) 

SCENE IV. * 

Hqfius returns through path. 

Hoeius:— " Well, here I am in the very same place again 
A teller can't git lost in a grove. I'd give a sixpence to know 
what that feller means by talking so much to Mabel. I sup- 
pose everbody calls ECarry Hanford smart, because he can 
spout law and wear good clothes ; but I think he blows a darn 
sight. Yet Mabel takes it all down. I'd give a dollar iiT I 
didn't thihk so much of that girl, but I do and tliat's the end 
of it. [Exit, L. scene same as in scene \st.] 



SCENE v.— PARLOR AC. 
( Mrs. Howard and Loceiio seated. ) 

LocENO: — " Mrs. Howard, if you will do that you shall be 
rewarded." 

HowAKD : — " I will do anything I can, but remember you 
must work for me. There is no mistaking; Ernest's love for 
Gertrude, but we must separate them. We must arrange it so 
yon can marry Gertie soon, then Ernest will take Mabel and 
I will be free from her insults. Mabel knows her father wish- 
.es her to marry Ernest and if I can make Mr. Hilton believe 
Gertie is trying to win Ernest from Mabel, he wall turn against 
her, and I will make her believe it. He already begins to see. 
If we are cunning we can arrange it, but don't you give up 
(xertie. I am sure of getting rid of Mabel ; if you can only 
take Gertrude away from Ernest, then lean take Mr. Hilton." 
[ Gertie comes part way in, then, as she notices them, turns to 
retire, when Locenq grasps her arm, brings her ahruptly to the 
cntre of the room, looking directly in her face.) 

LocT^:xo :— " Ah ! little beauty, your place is here with me, 
not Willi Ernest Vaughn. Don't you belong to me Gertie? 
{She appears frightened and doe^s not answer.) Why do you not 
answer me?" 

Gertie : — " I cannot answer you, 1 do not know." 

LocENo : — " Yes you do know. Do you intend to marry me, 
or Ernest? You know how I love you, you know I saved 
your life and your mother's, you know how dear you are to 
me, and you promised you would marry me. Gertrude you 
must not lie to me. ( patting her face and kissing her.) Beau- 
tiful one, dear as you are to me, I warn 3^ou not to lie to me 
for the punishment of a liar is worse than that of a murderer 
when the victim is at the mercy of Loceno Diluppa." ( Gertie 
weeping; Mabel enters, and Mrs. Howard leaves imniediately 
at back door ; Mabel grasps Loceno^s arm. ) 

Mabel :—" Loceno Diluppa, what are you saying, what 
right have you to talk in this manner?" 

Loceno :—" Gertie should listen to me as she—''^{3fc(bel 
interrvpts. ) 
Mabel: — " She isnothingtoyou,— there's the door coward." 
Loceno: — " But I tell you — " {Mabel interrupts.) 
Mabel: — "I want you to tell me nothing. There's the 
door I tell you, and (Loceno moves towards the door, i Return 



16 UERtlU'DE :\IASOX. 

when vour cutiescail you; all we want is your music, now, 
g-o ! (Gertie sits cYijing ; Loceno exit muttering to himself , 
Mabel carreses Gertie.) De-ar Gertie, you must not cry, do not 
ii-ive up to everything. Dear little cousin, I shall do some- 
thing desperate if you continue to feel so badly. That old 
music teacher shall* trouble you no more Gertie, if you love 
me at all, stop crying." 

Gertie:— "I do love you, Mabel, oh ! so much, but I feel 
as though I shoul 1 die.""^ [Enter Ernest hurriedly, ivilh hat in 
huna.) 

Ernest : — " I am going now to take those papers to Harry. 
I presume Miss Mabel,— (roicf' changes.) Why what is the 
trouble with Gertie? In tears again ? [he goes to her, /)w/.s' 
hand on head.) It pains me, Gertie, to see you weeping, if 
there was anything I could do, how gladly would I do it! I 
think you rather be alone, so I will go." 

Mabel: — "Gertie is a little nervous I think, do not remain 
a\vay long." 

Ernest : — " So long as Gertie is here, it is useless to mention 
it. Aurevoir!" [Bows and retires at L.) 

Mabel: — "There is something indifferent in the tone of 
Ernest's voice. I am afraid he is not as sincere as he might 
be." 

Gertie: — "Sincere? what mean you, Mabel ? Not sincere 
in his manner to me?", 

Mabel :— " I fear not.', 

Gertie: — "Oh, Mabel ! for the love of heaven do not say 
that again. Anything but that." (^w66\) 
Mabel: — " I am not sure, I only feared he was not." 

Gertie: — " Could he show so decided a preference, and then 
cast me aside? No, no ! I cannot believe it! I will not ! He 
is all I have left. Uncle does not act the same, he no longer 
loves me ; Mrs. Howard hates me ; Loceno haunts me day and 
night. You and Ernest are the only ones that care for me. 
No, no, Mabel ! Ernest could not be so cruel — to win my love. 
He knows — he cannot help knowing I love him; although I 
never told him so, he knows. No ! No! I would doubt every- 
one before I would Ernest. ''' 

Mabel :—" Gertie, you are not feeling well ; I wish Cousin 
Hof. would come in, or something happen to cheer vou up. 
{enter Hofius) When w^e attend the party at Mrs. Bell's you 
will feel better, for she has such nice parties." 



(iEKTKL'DP: MASOX. ]7 

HoFius:— "I tell you, [to himself) I will keep still about 
this, you bet!" 

Mabel: — ''Cos., where have you been so long? We were 
afraid you were lost in the city, but you still live, I see." 

HoFius : — (6-^ot^^?/) " Yes." 

Mabel :— " What's the matter, Hofius." 

HoFius:— '' Nothing." 

Mabel: — *' Then why don't y-ju talk? Haven't you seen 
anything pretty, funny or hateful ?" 

HoFEUS : — *' Yes, a darn sight more than I wish I had." 

Gertie: — "Now Hofius, Mabel and I are feeling so blue 
tell us something, wont you ?" 

Hofius:—" I haint got anything to tell unless it is some- 
tliing about me, and it wouldn't tickle you to hear how I got 
fooled, would it?" 

Mabel :— " Cos., you are awful cross, cross as a — " 

Hofius:—" Wet hen, whv don't vou say? women always 
say that." 

Mabel : — " Well then, " wet hen," only you are crosser. I 
wish I knew what troubles you." 

Hofius: — " It is trouble enough, 1 tell you ! I met a man 
on the street corner, a darn good looking feller, fine clothes 
and watch and so on. I was standing on the corner looking 
around, and he came up to me and says he, I have seen you 
lots of times, when you have been around town, and he often 
thought he'd like to know me ; so lup like a fool and told him 
who I was, where I was staying, how long I was going to stay, 
what I was doing, how much money I had, and about you two 
girls. He kindy pricked up his ear when I told him about 
you girls, and said he'd like to see you. [Mabel laughs a little.) 
You needn't laugh, I did tell him. But I told him you was 
struck after that young lawyer, or that blow Harry, and I told 
him Gertie was smiling sweeter than lasses on that long legged 
Ernest. He looked as though he felt awful so-rry, so he ask- 
ed me to go to his home and see his sister, and I went. I 
knew Sue Wright would be madder than hops if she knew it, 
but I went. [Mabel and Gertie laugh. ) Now see here Mabel, if 
you are s:oing to laugh, I will dry right up and you won't git 
another word out of me." 

Mabel:— "No! no! Hofwewill not laugh again." 
Hofius :— " 'Taint nothing to laugh at. Well I went in with 
the feller to see Hattie, as he called her, and there sot the 



18 (lERTnUDE ^[A80N'. 

beautifulist be\vitchin.s:est critter you ever sot eyes on. 'I 
never see anj^thin^ like her; the alfiredist prettiest g-iri tliat 
ever trod down ^rass. She must a had wings pinned back 
under that little cape, I know she must. Um, oh ! dear! 
don't like to think of it, but if Is'e to be scratched to death by 
chickens, I couldn't forget her, Now girls, you know I don't 
fall in love very easy, but oh. Jupiter ! anythmji' from a dove 
to a man, or a rhinocerous, couldn't help feeling they were a 
gone UD goose when she levelled them eyes on 'em." 

Gertie; — "I don't doubt it, Hofius, but Mabel and 1 feel 
a little interested in the brother. Was he so irresistable?" 

Hofius : — " That brother, eh ? He was a mean cuss ! when 
. he got me into the house, and dead in love with them eyes, he 
asked me to give him two twenty dollar bills and one ten for 
a fifty. So I changed and he said he would get some fruit and 
bring in. I sat there a looking at her face and sometimes she 
looked at me, 'till I asked her if he was coming back. She 
yaw-hawed right out and said ; " I guess not " Well, I got 
up and got. I asked a police if that bill was good ; " No," said 
he, but he tried to find out about it, and when I left him he 
said he would try and get the fellow, but I guess he wont find 
him right away. I tell you, girls, I was awful glad I knew 
the way home." 

Mabel: — "That's too, too bad, cousin." {Smiling.) 

Hofius:— " Yes, but you'd like to laugli, wouldn't you? 
Laugh if you want to ! I've had to work like the devil to get 
my money, and, by gosh, I don't like to loose it. But 'taint 
ali lost. Iff worth twenty-five dollars to have that picture 
girl, Hattie, smile on you. Oh ! um, um ! I never can forget 
her. I'd give five dollars for her picture for you to see. I can't 
forget her, but I shan't tell Sue Wright about her when I go 
home again. Say, now, don't tell Uucle James about this or 
he will think I am greener than Mrs. Wright's old bonnet 
strings. I'll get them new clothes you talked of. I'll get 
them right off and wear them." 

Mabel :—" I won't tell. lam glad you are going to get 
your new clothes." 

Hofius: — '• I am going to commence my elocution lessons, 
too." 

Mabel:— "Cousin, how did you happen to think of taking 
elocution lessons?" 

Hofius :— " Well, I tell you ; seeing I have got my hand in 
to tell all I know, I will keep right on. There was a man, he 



(tKUTltUDK MASON. 19 

called himself an elocutionist from Bosting. He came down 
to SqiiHsh Holler and read at the Methodist Church. Well, 
mother is Methodist, so we all wenc, paid twenty five cents to 
<rit in, and I took Sue Wrig-hts. He read lots of pieces ; some- 
times he would read things so darned funny, it would make a 
do^: laugh till he'd swaller his ears. Ha ! ha ! Then he'd 
read another so sober and so awful solemn [appears affected^) 
our eyes would git chucked full o' tears. I tried to keep back 
the tears, but I finally bust right out loud. Oh ! Mabel, I 
know you girls would a cried, too. You don't act as though 
you cared a cent nuw, but darn ye, I've seen you squall just as 
loud as anybody." 

Mabel:—" I know it Hofius, [rising. [ I cry awful easy, 
but I don't feel like crying now. I don't want to and you 
must not be so cross to me, for you know I like you." 

Hofius : — " Not so much but what you could git over it if 
you should see that longtoungued pitafogger coming." 

Mabel :— " That wouldn't make any difference. Oh ! your 
awful jealous Cos., lets go in the library. What say you 
Gertie?" 

CrERTiE : — [rising.) " I want to get that new book, so I am 
ready to go anywhere." [All go to L. door.) 

Hofius : — "So would I be ready to go anywhere if Hattie ' 
was to be there. No I can't forget her, I can't." [Exit.) 

SCENE VI: HARRY'S OFFICE. 

Two gentlemen seen writing : Enter Ernest. 

Ernest:—" Friend Hanniford, good morning." [Harry 
looks up. ) 

Hakry : — " Good morning Ernest." 

Ernest:— " Well, has tne morning's rolicking zephyrs 
brought joy, health and fortune to you, my boy." 

Harry ; — " Yes, yes, I'm*basking in the sunshine of just such 
materials as you now mentioned. Come forward, my friend, 
and l^e seated and tell us the news." 

Ernest :—" News? oh, Harry! don't be so modest! come 
out like a man and inquire after Mabel, you know you want 
to." [The gentlemen writing take books and leave at back en- 
trance. ) 

Harry : — " I was on tne eve of doing so." 



20 . GEUTllUDE MASOX. 

Eknest: — "She is enjoying* fine health aud wishes to be 
remembered to you. Do you feel better now?" 

Harry : — " Yes, and I would like to aslc for Gertie, yet I 
fear to do so, as you may get jealous, you know. If you are 
like me you would. Don't it beat Caesar, that I should be so 
jealous, so fearfully jealous ? Sometimes I think Ma oel does 
not care two cents for me. If I were not so poor in pocket — but 
I always think of it, always compare my poverty to her wealth. 
I wish I could think she cared as much for me as Gertie does 
for you " 

Ernest : — " Gertie, for me ? Oh ! there is not so much luve 
between us as you imagine ; neither of us will go insane over 
it." 

Harry : — " What do you mean, Ernest, by sajHng neither 
of you are particularly interested ! If ever I saw a devoted 
admirer, you are one, or your actions are unaccountable." 
Ernest : " I must play tne agreeable, you know, Harry." 
Harry: — " Play the agreeable ? In pia^ying the agreeable 
must you monopolize her entirely for a season, escort her to 
everj^ p-rty, to picnics, drives and play partnertoeve y game? 
Be constantly with her and show marked attention, always at 
her elbow ? Does it take all of this to be agreeable?" 

Ernest — :" Have I gone through so much? I guess you 
have told the truth, Harr3^'' 

Harry :— " Of course it's tiie truth. She has just finished 
her studieci and that Italian teacher is continually harrassing 
her. No father or mother to care lor her, or advise her, she 
has forgetten all and is happy in your presence. Your unceas- 
ing devotion to her has made her feel you cared for her ; she 
is not the kind to love when she is unsought, but vou have 
sought her and now say you care nothing for her. Such things 
were excusable when you were younger and at college among 
a crowd of heartless girls ; but, Ernest, I was sure vou had 
ceased to indulge in such folly, sui^h heartlessness. I 'tell you 
Ernest this is cruel !" 

Ernest :— " I think you are saying a great deal more than 
IS necessary. We have enjoyed each other's society but I 
could not marry her, she is too wild for me. As I leave here 
soon I shall take an opportunity to tell her the kind of a 
woman I should like for a wife, then she will. see Harrv, how 
great a difference between herself and my ideal. In that way 
she will understand I mean nothing serious." 



^ UEllTRLDE MASON. 21 

Harry:— "It is a pretty time to say it now! There are 
very few men that would put aside so lovely a girl as she. You 
must remember she has been confined to the school room ; but 
one year abroad in grand society would make her a woman 
unsurpassed. Besides, Ernest, it is worth everything to feel 
sure your wife ioves you, and you can see in every expression 
of her face how much she loves you ; yet, she is so unpresum- 
ng.',' 

Ernest :— " I guess I am not entirely indifferent to all those 
charms for I have been on the eve of proposing several times ; 
but I would think I might regret it, for she does not quite come 
up to the standard of perfection." 

Harry :— '* I presume you are right up to that standard 
point. You and I have always disputed on this question, so 
we will let it drop ; but with all your w^ealth and its advanta- 
ges, I would scorn to do so contemptable an act as you have 
perpetrated within that house. I swear, I thought you had 
got over that, or I should have warned her." 

Ernest: — "You take things terribly to heart. I came to ' 
have you go to the house with me as I thought T would say 
good bye to the girls; then, return and remain with you and 
leave in the morning, if yon are not too angry with me. 1 
tell you, Harry, w'omen forget such things easier than you 
imagine." 

Harry: — Some women may, but not such noble women as 
Gertrude ^Nlason. [rises.) I am ready to go to the house with 
you." 

SCENE VII. 

3frs. HowrcVa room^ or dining room. Enter. Mrs. Howard. 

Howard : — " I am glad Mr. Hilton feel^ as he does. I know 
Gertie is too proud to remain when she is not wanted, and her 
uncle turns rather a cold shoulder on her. She sees it, and 
that will draw her towards Loceno. I am glad, he believes so 
much in me. [Enter Xora.) 

Nora : — " Mrs. Howard, there is a blind man and little girl 
at the door ; they want to see you and won't take no for an 
answer." 

Howard :— " What shall I do, Nora? See that none of the 
family are around, then send them in. [Exit Nora.) I intend 
this shall put an end to their coming. A person can not get so 
far away that a poor relative won't hang around them. My 
sister Elsie, was a lovely woman, but after death her family 



22 GERTRI'DT-: ^LA^OX. 

was nothing- to me. Mr. Hilton shall never know such people 
are my relatives. [JEnter Harold and Minnie leading her 
father; a little basket on her arm. ) Nora, hrin.gr my chair. {Kvit 
^ Nora,) So you are here a^s^ain, are you? Is there anything- 
I pan do to keep you away ? [Minnie seats her fat her in a cha.ir) 

Minnie .•—" Aunt Hester, do not blame Papa for coming- 
here. He «aid he could not, but I was so tired and hungry, 
and begged so long without eating anything, I couldn't go any 
farther. Oh, Auntie ! don't blame poor Papa." 

Howard:— "See here, Minnie, don't repeat any of your 
learned pitiful stories, for what may strike the sympathy of 
others only angers me. 1 know you— wiiat do you want?'* 

Minnie: —"I am hungry, but Papa is very hungry ! He 
made me eat the last we had. [amis around neck) Poor Papa! 
Oh, Auntie! you promised Mamma I should never want for 
anything. O ! my beautiful Mamma loved me so, and loved 
poor Papa, too." [sobs.) 

Howard :— " I don't care to witness any more of your fool- 
ishness. I will give you some stuff from the kitchen if that 
will get you away from here. Your beggardly appearance is 
most shocking." 

l^A.noJjD'.— [Rising.) "Hester, when I came in this room I 
was faint with hunger, but this is misery which in its agony 
drowns all thoughts of hunger. I feel strong, strong enough 
to go and tell you what I have not forgotten before I leave 
you." 

Howard:— "Harold, I do not care to listen to you." [3fo- 
tionsforthemtogo.[ 

Harold : — " Remain where you are or the house shall know 
you and your beartlessness." 

Howard : — " Should you open your head to anyone I will 
expose you, and then what would become of your child?" 

Harold: — "Listen! When I married your sister I was 
strong. I could see her life was all a devoted, ambitious 
iiusband could make it. I tried to gratify her every wish, and 
she was ever grateful, Oh, God! how happy I was! And 
when little Minnie came to us we thought our happiness com- 
plete. You visited us then, praised our home, our baby, and 
seemed to share in our happiness ; but^now I know the depth 
of your affections. Elsie pitied you when you were left a 
homeless widow. You were in want then. We had plenty 
and we gave it to you ; we did not call you a beggar. AfteV 



GERTRUDE MASOX. 23 

Elsie's death, streng'th and eyesight failed me. One misfortune 
followed another, until now my child, my poor mother- 
less child, leads me about a beg-gar! a-a-blind beggar! " 

Howard; — "Harold, don't you know if I was to tell a 
certain person where you were you would have a prison home 
the remainder of your life ?" 

Harold: — " Yes. but you know I am not guilty ; you know 
I did not kill that man, although they have every reason to 
believe I did. If you were to swear would vou say I was 
guilty?" 

Howard; — " Yes, I would. Although I know you are not 
guilty, if you would bring out my right name, if you should 
ever let this family know me, I would swear that you killed 
that man; I would see you separated from Minnie, so be 
careful ! No matter what may happen, keep silent, or your 
child shall be left at my mercy." 

Harold:— "Then I would rather see her dead, Come, 
darling, we will go." [Enter Mabel and Hojius,) 

Minxie;— "Oh, Papa! I cannot walk, I am so hungry." 
[Faintly. Harold tries to get Minnie away.) 

Mabel :— '.' Mrs. Howard, what does this mean?" 

Minnie: — " Papa, 1 am so hungry." 

HoWAiiDi— [taking hold of Minnie^s arm.) "I am trying to 
get these beggars out of here, [to Minnie) We do not make a 
practice of feeding beggars here." [Enter Nora L.) 

Mabel :— " We never turn them away hungry. I^ittle 
girl you shall have something to eat. Here, Nora, take them 
to the kitchen and give them all they want. [Exit Harold^ 
Minnie and Nora L.) Mrs. Howard, don't ever turn away 
anyone from my father's home without food." 

Howard : — " So long as I am house-keeper of this mansion 
1 shall not be troubled to feed beggars. I shall not feed them." 

Mabel: — " Mrs. Howard, to whom are you speaking? lam 
at home and you are not. If you wish to gain my father's 
love you must he kind to the poor." 

HoFiu.s:— " That's what's the matter ! See how Uncle James 
took you in." 

Howard:—" I was not a beggar, sir I have money of my 
own and I despise beggars." 

Mabel: —" No matter how you may despise them, they 
must not leave our door, hungry Bemember, you are my 
servant and must obev me." 



24 GEiiTraU)E ma.sox. 

HoFius :— " That's business V\Exit Mabel and Hofius at L.) 
Howard:— (M*«m^.) "Ah! 'tis iadeed a bitter leeling- 15) 
be so numbled. Yes, I am her servant and I must obey, tor it 
I siiould not, I might loose this home and the opportunity ot 
winning James Hilton. I will endure all, if 1 can win him 
with all his wealth, 1 will endure it, but oh ! how humilia- 
ting 1 doubt that Harold and Minnie couid have felt the 
humiliatiion I now feel. Ah ! Mabel Hilton, 1 only en- 
dure this that I may live to see you taus tar.nentii." {Emt 

X-") 

SCENE VIII ' 

Grove, Harry a?id Mabel loalking toward front; Ernest and 

Gertie at distance. 
Mabel:— "Now, Harry, you are jealous again, arn't you?'' 

Forgive me this once and I will be more careful in the future- 
I do care for you and if there is anything more I can do to 
make you feel it, tell me." 

Harry :—" Mabel, tell me truly, don't you think you 
would love me more if I was not so infernally poor? if I had 
something else beside my practice to fall back on?" 

Mabel : — " No, no ! If you had all the money you w^ant I 
shouldn't like you at all, so don't mention it again. I tell 
you, Harry, I can't endure so much of this jealousy !" 

Harry : — " I know I am foolish, but if you will forget this 
I will not do so again." {Stoops to kiss her.) 

Mabel : — "No, no, Harry ; Ernest and Gertie will laugh at 
us. Do you not think it a sudden notion, Ernest leaving so 
soon?" 

Harry : — "If he had left before it would have been better. 
I believe Gertrude loves Ernest and why has he trifled with 
one that is his superior ? If there is any difference between 
them, he is the inferior. I think Gertie loves him and he has 
given her every reason to believe he returns it." 

Mabel : — " I know she loves him, a somnambulist cannot 
keep her secrets. Yes she believes in him, he knows it, and 
if he should spurn her love I could never forgive him." 

Ernest and Gertie rise^ come to front; Mabel and Harry ^ back. 

Gertib : — *' Ernest, I am quite surprised at j^^our leaving so 
soon, a sudden freak, is it not?" 



GERTRUDE MASON. 25 

Ernest : — " Not for me. I am nearly a freak at the best. I 
oertainly find it unpleavSant to leave 'a place where I have 
passed so many happy hours, and, Gertie, I am indebted to 
you for the greater amount of my summer pleasure." 

Gertie: — "Thanks, Ernest, I can return the compliment. 
I have known very little happiness since my mother's death 
and I shall hold these months in remembrance as nearer real 
happiness than I have experienced in years. 

P^rxest: — " Do you think there is any real happiness, any- 
thing besides what wealth, fashion and gayety bestows?" 

Gertie :— " We that are born with hearts find haopiness in 
living for those we love. There is real happiness in that, al- 
though I am not so irrational as to think we could exist with- 
out some obstacles." 

Ernest : — " No, the ignorant are the only ones contmually 
happy. What think^you of the quotation 'Ignorance is bliss' ?" 

Gertie: — " I prefer fruit from the tree of knowledge; I 
would rather suffer with my eyes open then be happy with 
tnem shut." {both sit,) 

Ernest: — " You are quite a little philosopher. I suppose, 
if I ever re-visit this city I will find you happy in some man's 
love, and there will be plenty to envy him." [Tafces off button- 
hole boquet, and throtus it i?i her tap,) 

Getie : — " I do not picture anything of the kind for myself, 
but I shall be here to welcome you and yours, should you ever 
return." 

Ernest : — "Oh ! I shall never marry, 1 never think of it. 
One 1 could r: all my wife 1 fear I shall never find, but if I 
should meet such a being, she would notlisten to me, she 
would probably send me were the " Woodbine Twineth." 

Gertie: — " Excuse me, Ernest, if I ask a peculiar question, 
but idle curiosity prompts me to c o so. Picture to me the 
woman you would be likely to wed." 

Ernest:—" Certainly ; I will describe her if my tongue is 
not too feeble. She must have a commanding figure, intellec- 
tual, educated, and all the accomplishments education can 
bestow. Drive fast horses, be and expert equestrian, row like 
a sailor, elegant in every move, no baby manners, nothing soft. 

She must be grand so grand that all men will envy me, a 

lady whose very presence will silence all nonsense. What 
think you of the picture?" 



20 GERTRUDE MASON. 

(3rERTiB:- [sadl^) " A very fascinating picture indeed; but 
I fear so fascinatms: a woman would be so enwrapped in the 
world's opinion shemight neglect you." 

Ernest :— " I do not believe in this agonizing love, it does 
for the country. Too soft, you know." 

Gertie :— '* Then is there no genuine affection but what we 
find in the country. I think to the contrary, there is no 
genuine love that does not come from an intellectual mind." 

Ernest :—" There is but very little feeling in ihese sighs, 

etc." 

Gertie :— " Pure, true love is not the off-spring of sighs, of 
prayers and entreaties, and all the small artillery of courtship 
There is pure genuine love; Ernest, you cannot mean what 
you say?" 

Ernest : — " Perhaps I am in the wrong ; {arises, looks at 
his watch.) my time says I cannot remain much longer. It 
is "always the same when I am in company with j^ou. [Qertie 
turns her head scornfully.) I shall accompany Harry to his 
office this evening, and leave in the morning. ( Gertie rises, 
when he gives her his hand, the boquet falls to the ground. ) 

Gertie:—,' Mabel and I will miss you. You know I will 
miss you, as Mabel will spend much of her time with Harry." 

Earnest :—(^«A;m^ her hand.) "1 shall remember this 
summer and the many pleasant hours I have spent in your 
society. Remember, you have my best wishes farewell." ( Qertie 
hows, iknest when half way to the back ent7'ance, lifts hat to her 
and exit. Gertie 7'aises both hands a?id watches him as he 
retreats. ) 

Gertie:—" Gone, gone without one word of love! Here is 
the end of all my summer dreams, not one word of love for 
me. I did not ask you to love me, but you taught me to love 
you. The lesson was easy, and oh ! so sweet ; why did you 
teach me to love you then push me aside as you would a worm 
that crawls in your path ? Am I so worthless, you should 
cooly spurn my love ? He has broken my heart, desolated my 
life, and must I carry this secret in my heart? Yes, though it 

eats my very existence. Oh, how I suffer ! Ernest, oh 

that that name ! Linked with the happiest hours of my life 
and the bitterest; but I loved him, oh! how I loved him. 
{picks up the little boquet, sobbing.) Oh, what agony ! {kisses 



GEHTRUDE MASON. 27 

the flower and puts it in her bosom.) Sleep there, little flower, 
and wither with my heart. I must dry these tears, these 
sobs, they must not know my suffering. To love as I have 
loved, and to have that love scorned, is enough for me, 
without the wnole world knowing- it. No, uncle must not see 
me weeping', I will sing. What shall I sing?" 

{Clasps hands over head, then drops together In front.) 

S ings 1 WO ULD NO T FOR GET THEE. 



28 GERTra'DP: ^[AP0X. 



ACT II. SCENE. I. 



Harold lying on an old couch ; chamber poorly furnished. 

Harold : — [rising part way.) " Why doesn't Minnie come? 
She has been away a long time, something may have happen- 
ed her." 

Door opens ^ Minnie enters loith basket on arm. 

Minnie: — "Papa,! am here. I wish you could see the 
pieces of beef the butcher gave me, and here are lots of pieces 
of bread. It will make a nice dinner for you and I know, 
dear Papa, you are hungry, [she kisses hbn.) I must get you 
something to eat. {working busily) I know you will get well 
and when I am a birr girl we will have a nice time. I'm not a 
bit tired, how do you feel, Papa?" 

Harold: — "I think I am better and I am sure the dinner 
will make me entirely well. My little daughter seems so 
happy." [Harold lies down.) 

Minnie : — " Yes, I am happy. Aunt Hester gave me these 
pieces of bread." 

Harold: — " Did she give you any money?" 

Minnie: — "Oh, yes! I was in such a hurry to get your 
dinner I forgot all about it. [counts money) One, two. three, 
four, five, six, seven cents ; and siie said such mean things to 
me, but I d©n't care for that." 

Harold :— " What did she say?" 

Minnie: — " I do not mind it. Papa, you always feel worse 
if I tell you, and she will be better by and by." 
Harold: — "It w^ill not affect me ; tell me what she said." 
Minnie:— "She said: ' As long as you were sick you could 
not come there, and she was glad of it. That she was 
coming here to-day to give you something more so I would 
stay at home.' She pushed me down stairs and hurt my arm. 
[Minnie sobs) I know when I get big I won't have to ask 
her for anything." 

Harold: — " Can it be possible so heartless a woman can be 
the sister of my wife, who was so loving, so kind? Must I 
bear so much from one I have so often befriended ?" [Knock 
at door, 3finnie opens it, 3frs. Howard enters. ) 



aKUTKUDK MASOX. 29 

HoNVAKU: — [Lifdng her dress from floor; brushing chair 
before seating herself.) " Wliy, Harold, are you still in bed? I 
think a little exercise vvoidd be benilieial; people that lie in 
btxl and do nothing- can ne^'^er regain their strength." 

Harold: — " Perhaps I fould exercise if I had food to give 
ine strength ; but there are times when I have nothing and I 
cannot take food from my child," 

Howard:— " Here is s'^niething I brought you. Take it, 
Minnie, [gives Minnie package.) 1 hope this wUl help toward 
keeping you till I can come again, [to Minnie.) Do not stop 
your begging, get all y(Hi can out of others, for I may not 
come again very soon. And, Harold, understand I do not 
want Minnie to come near me again ; the first thing you know 
she will call me Auntie, and it may be the means of exposing 
me, and if I am, you shall suffer." 

Harold : — " You ought to suffer, and were it not for leaving 
my child at your mercy, you should. Tliey ;r,hould know you, 
but that alone keeps me silent." 

Minnie .•— " But, Auntie, if Papa should get awful sick, and 
nothing in the house to eat, couldn't I go if I was careful not 
to let anyone see me? Sometimes Papa is so hungry." 

Howard:— [Moving toward door.) "No, you cannot, and 
remember it." [E.i'it at door.) 

Harold: — "Minnie, has she gone?" {Minnie sits tyy her 

f(dher. ) 

Minnie:—" Yes, Papa." 

Harold: — "Merciful lleaven ! what have I done! what 
liave I done to bring to bring this sutfering uuon myself and 
child, to bring my child to such misery? Minnie, how can 
you love me?" 

Minnie:— (^rm.s- encircle his neck.) "Papa, I cannot help 
loving you, you are so good. Then, no one cares for me, no 
one cares whether I am hungry or not, no one but you, Papa." 

Harold : — " Ah, darling, God knows I care for you ; but to 
bring such suffering on my little Minnie, tender little lily — I 
should think you would curse me!" 

Minnie:— "Oh! Papa, don't talk so bad about yourself, 
when you are the sweetest Papa in the world." 

Harold : — " My innocent child, without a mother's love, or 
mother's tender qayq— [raises hands.) Oh ! Elsie, my wife, there 
is no room for us here, is there room for us there?" (Falls, 
over an coudi, Minnie kneels at his feet, i \Soene closes in.] 



30 G KRTRl DE M ASOX. 



SCENE II. 



Parlor in Hilton mansion; enter Hofiiis with book in hand, 
loo/mig to see if amy oji.e is there. 

HoFius: — " Well, the cats are away so the mouse will play. 
I will read as loud as I am a might to, no one will hear., {tttrn- 
ing leaves.) Where is my place? I jv'ill show that professor 
that I haint going to be*^for ever and eternally learning this 
elocution business. I have plenty of poetry that I can repeat 
at a moment's notice. The teacher said it would be a fiae thing 
for me if I could learn poetry easy. Yet I don't go much on 
sweet poetry. Darned if I can find that place ! Guess I can 
repeat it any way. {repeats.) ' Hear me, ye walls, that echoed 

to the tread of either Brutus, once again I swear once 

again I swear [looks for place) I swear I swear 

(finds place) I swear ' " [Enter Mabel.) 

Mabel : — " Cousin Hofius, what are you swearing about ? " 
HoFius: — [Looks confused^ then quotes in affecting sft/le.) 
" I heard the rustle of your dress, 

I saw a shadow glide, 
And now I find, 

Oh, sweet the cliange ! 
Dear Mabel by my side. 

Mabel:—" The rose's red, the violet's blue, 
Sugar is sweet and so are you." 

Hofius: — " Well, Mabel, I didn't get the start of you much, 
did I ? You do know something about poetry, don't you ? " 
Mabel : — " Yes, I used to read and recite at school." 
Hofius :—" Say, Mabel, does that Harry Hanford mean 
anything serious by coming here? he acts as though bethought 
a good deal of you." 

Mabel:—" I guess he likes me well enough, but there isn't 
anyone that cares very much of me.'' 

Hofius:—" Yes, there is ! honestly, Mabel. Haint you got 
a feller?" 

Mabel :— " Do you mean a beau, Cos., a real, live, beau ? " 

Hofius:—" Y^es, sir, that's just exactly what I mean." 

Mabel :— " No, Cos,, I havn't." 

Hofius :— " Now, aint you fooling me? " 



CrEKTKUDE MA80N. 81 

Mabel :— •' Xo, I iiavii't a real 'beau. I don't see why it is, 
but the boys don't seem to like me." 

HoFius :— " Well, by Gosh, I like you ! I don't care a cent 
it I did spark Sue Wrij^ht down in Squash Holler, a teller can't 
always stick to one girl. But if you hain't got a feller, I will 
just let her go to grass." 

Mabel:— "But it may break her heart. 1 would always 
think of it and feel I was to blame." 

HoFius :— " No, you needn't think that way at all. I never 
liked her any too well, any way. I wouldn't a took her to so 
many circuses -and paring bees, but that blasted mother of hern 
makes a feller walk chalk. You see, it's like this: Sue 
Wrignt's mother, old Widder Wright's brindle cow was for- 
ever and eternally coming in our door yard, jump the fences 
and raise particular thunder, wherever she is, and our dog, 
Cudge, went for her. Over the fence the old cow went, and 
over the fence went Cudge after her, 'till he got hold her 
leg. She fell and crack went her leg ! The Widder was driv- 
ing the hogs around the corner and got there just in time to 
see old Brindle tumble. Now if I hadn't a laughed so loud it 
wouldn't a been so aggravating; but I laughed and she jawed. 
[Both laugh.) A few days after there was to be a big circus in 
town, a big show. J met tlie old lady and she 8ays to me, says 
she, " Hof. Haskins, you can settle that cow question for about 
twenty-live dol lars." Says I, " Mrs. Wright, that cow jumped 
into our yard." Says she to me, in that insinuating way, 
*' You have got to 'tend to your knitting or you'll see." Now, 
I knew what she meant. You know the show was in town, as 
1 said afore. The next day I asked Sue to go to the show, and 
the old woman was as good as pie." 

Mabel : — "That was prettv bad for all of you, the widow 
and all." 

HoFius: — "Yes, the old brindle limps, it kindy hurt her 
walk." 

Mabel: — " I guess Sue will scarcely dare approach you on 
that subject again when you go home with your head filled 
with poetry, and your language one living, tangled mass of 
poems. I think a few of your readings will convince them of 
your importance; but I must go, and we will recite elocution 
lessons together." [Exit L.) 

Hofius: — "Now, what a blasted fine girl she is, but she 
don't know much about Widder Wright's temper. I know 
enough to know that if she says old Brindle limps, it's time 



32 riEirnirDE >iAsox. ^ 

for a feller about ray size to scratch. Where is my lesson? 
[opens book.) ' He king, my kin«:, my king', when he is not 

worthy to be called my do^ [looses place) to be called my 

(log ( finds place] Forward, Slave, forward !; That's jam up 

talk, takes muscle to do this, {reads) Ah, Leonidas, to know 
thee IS to love thee.'" [Nora enters L., seeing him she rushes 
thro ugh room frigh tened, . ) 

Nora : — " Holy Motiier ! " 

HoFius :— " Nora frightens awful easy ; I wouldn't hurt her, 
but herg comes somebody." [Exit L.] [Enter Mrs. Howard 
and Loceno B. ) 

LocENO:— " 1 am glad to know Ernest has gone ; now, with 
your help I may get her." 

HoWAKD :— " Yes, I am sure you can; she tries to conceal 
her grief but she cannot. She will survive it soon, and I know 
they are not engaged. Last night she walked and talked in 
her'^sieep, and her mind is usually on Ernest, but it makes no 
ditterence, she belong;^ to you and you 8liaU have iier." {Enter 
Milton.) 

Hilton:— " Ah ! I fear there is a secret and I must retire." 

LoCEXO : — " No secret from you, come in. Mr. Hilton, we 
are willing you should know. Mrs. Howard has already told 
you Grertie is my promised wife, she belongs to me and I want 
her." 

Howard: — " Gertie tried to get Ernest away from* Mabel, 
and I think if Gertrude would leave here, Ernest, on another 
visit, would care for Mabel. Gertrude pushed herself ahead 
and was determined to be in Mabel's way." 

Hilton :— "I saw them together and was not pleased with 
it at all. I am willing to do anything, for Mabel must marry 
Ernest, I cannot have it any other way." 

Howard : — "Yes, dear Mabel, so imselfish, so kind to Gertie, 
awakes to tind herself out in the cold. If I were you, .James, 
I would give her a holiday ; let her go to Banchester, among 
Ernest's friends. That is, when Loceno and Gertie are married, 
Mabel will be lonely. I sometimes fear the child is not well." 

Hilton : — " Mrs. Howard, how can you take such an interest 
Mabel when she is often abusive to you ?• Y'ou shall be repaid 
for your untiring patience ; and, my dear Hester, do not 
worry so much about Mabel; she is young and will be different 
in time. I thank you for being so kind. Whenever you need 
mv assistance you have only to say the word. You must 



GERTRUDE MASON. 33 

excuse me at present." (Exit L.) 

LocENo : — "Ah, it would do my heart good to see you misfcress of 
this mansion ! " 

Howard: — "I hope to be some day. When I am, saucy Mabel 
shall not interfere, and I will rid the house of that elocutionary- 
tragical nephew. If I can only get Gertie and Mabel awa> from 
here I am sure of winning Mr. Hilton." 

LocENo: — "I am sure you can. I am sure I can. (Rising.) Time 
has >3assed rapidly, I became so interested in Gertie, (Exit L.) 
Good nighfc, Mrs. Howard." 

HoWAKD : — "Goodnight. James Hilton is on my .-side. Gertie 
is such a timid being, Loceno can frighten her so she would feel 
compelled to accept him. When I am Mrs. Hilton, Harold and 
Minnie can have what belongs to them; they have learned to suf- 
fer; T have not and shall not. (Looks at wateli.) "Tis time and 
past time for r'^tiring. (Exit L.) 

SCENE III. 

Two chairs and otcojtian— Nig hi — Moonlight — Sojt music — 
Gertie moves in sloinhj, seeming to push objects from before her. 

Gertie: — "O, how the air oppresses me! What clings to me so 
closely? why, mother, was it your embrace? Oh, mother, am I 
with you? O ! how beautiful ! Do not leaye me, mother. Heaven ! 
oh, how beautiful! Mothei", this must be a dream, and must I 
awaliG, (Reaches out hand then draws back suddenly) oh, I must 
not try to touch them lest I awaken. Mother, keep near m^, do 
not leave me. Is heaven always so beautiful, (smiles) so, so beau- 
tiful: mother, keep near me. No, no, not now, for, mother, see you 
Ernest? he is waiting for me. I am weary, oh, so weary. O! how 
beautiful is heaven. Mother, keep near me, do not touch me lest I 
awaken. How s. range I feel ! Ernest, mother, motlier, Ernest. 
Jieautiful home." 

Ms.Bm.:'—\ Enters: Gfrtie listening. \ "Gertie, dear! {Tries to 
awaken her) Gertie!" 

Gertie: — "Motlier, 'tis Ernest calling me — yes. I hear." 
Mabel:— "Gertie, dear, do awaken; you are dreaming again." 
Gertie: — "Oh, Ernest, do not tell me I am dreaming, 'tis so 
sweet to be near you. Hush! listen! Loceno is in the tiiicket, I 
know he is there, I hoard him muttering to himself." 



34 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Mabel:- "Gertie, Loceao is not here, Gertie!'' 

Gertie: — "Hush, speak not so loud, he will hear you and may 

harm you. Hush!" 

Mabel: — "Gertie, do awake. See, the moon is coming in. 'Tis 

chilly here, we must return to our bed. Come, Gertie." 

Gertie :—(ieanin^ on Mahel.) "O, Ernest, I am s© weary." 
Mabel : — " What am I to do ! Darling Gertie, with a heart too 

pure, too true for Ernest Vaughn, and yet he has sparned her love. 

Must her days be spent in misery, her nights torn in anguish ? O ! 

Ernest Yaughn, I curs© the day when you crossed our threshold. 

If you could suffer as she suffers — must she endure this ? " 
Gertie: — "Oh! (Beaches forth hands.) Oh!" 
Mabbl: — "Gertie, are you awake?" [Kisses her.] 
Gertie: — [Sobbing*] ** Why must I awake, why must I awake to 

life and miseiy! " 
Mabel: — "Gertie, we must not stay here, 'tis so late. T)o you 

know where you are? " 

Gertie: — "Too well I know where I am. This has all been a 

dream, (sobs) 'Twas a sweet dream. Ernest and mather! Oh, 

that my life could be on© long dream ! " 

Mabel: — "Come, Gertie, do not mourn so, it grieves me to hear 
it. I am tired and sleepy, will you come now ? " 

Gertie : — " No. no, I cannot sleep now. The moonlight is so 
beautiful. No, I cannot sleep." 

Mabel : — " Is the remainder of your life to be spent in this way, 
m' turning for Ernest Vaughn when he is so unworthy,? " 

Gertie: — " Oh, Mabel, say not tbat he is unworthy of me; he is 
worthy of anyone. I am unlike his ideal of a woman." 

Mabel : — " But he liked you, he knew what he was doing. He is 
su£Boiently intelligent to realize — I -would like to know what his 
ideal is." 

Gertie: — " He told me, Mabel." 

Mabel:— " He told vou? The impudent fellow! What did he 
say?" 

Gertie : — " I asked him to tell me. He says she must be a womaa 
w^orthy a crown; she must be good-looking, dark hair and eyes; 
must dance, row, ride, drive; must excel in all feminine graces and, 
in fact, do many things that men do. Also, a woman that men will 
rave about; no baby manners; a grand lady whose very presence 
will silence all nonsense. Beautiful picture' is it not. Mabel ? " 



GERTRUDE MASON. 35 

Mabel : — " Yes, a nice picture. But when he meets such a 
woman as that she will probably drive right by. Let me tell you 
what came into my mind when you were repeating his words : You 
can be all of that if you choose. " 

Gertie: -" I be such a woman as that '? " 

Mabel : — " Certainly. You have a determination within you if 
you would only bring it out. You can drive, ride and row compar- 
atively well, and with the inner determination of being and doing 
all he has spoken of I know you can succeed. Don't you think so?" 

Gertie : — " I could do many of these things, but not all." 

Mabel : — " l''es, you could. You are tall, beautiful, educated, and 
ono year at Weed's School for Out-door Accomplishments for Young 
Ladies would place you where he would see men rave over you, but 
he, most of all, as he knows the pmrity of the heart within." 

Gertie : — " Perhaps I can do this, yet, Mabel, I could never 
marry Ernest now, he left me so unfeelingly, so heartlessly." 

Mabel : — " No, no, dear, certainly not ; or, you could do as you 
please when the time comes. But I should let him know tnat such 
a woman can exist, and that such a one he cannot possess on very 
short notice. So far as soft nothings are concerned you never 
in :lulged in anything silly. He has tried to crush every spark of 
sweet affection." 

Gertie: — " Crushed! Yes, I believe I shall live to see the tim,-> 
vfhen my affection for him shall have crumbled entirely away. To 
live for revenge will crush the 'babyishness,' as he terms it, in me." 

Mabel: — " I am glad you have stopped mourning. Dear, dear 
Gertie, to see you happy will make me happy ; but to gi\Q up to 
mourn all your days for him would be a life j^oorly spent. Oh 
Gertie, cousin, dear, do you know how much I love you? " 

Gertie: — [Ptishina her away.] " Mabel, do not unaerve me. 
(sobs) I know that you love me, you are the only one that does, and 
I worship you for it. But go, Mabel, go to your room, I will soon 
follow, (Mabel reth'et^ through curtains.) Ernest may forsake me. 
but Mabel loves me; Uncle Hilton turns against me, and Mabel 
clings the closer. Uncle Hilton forgets all when I most need sym- 
patliy. No one but an orphan can have s,ympathy. No home, no 
jfathfcr, no mother, oh, how we hunger for affection from those 
around us. No one to protect us,, do we not deserve pity, do we not 
deserve sjanpathy when we would give our life to fall asleep, one 
night, with a father's tender blessing, a mother's warm kiss? Oh, 
T am so cliillv Has the beautiful morn deserted mv chamber? Js 



36 ^ GERTRUDE MASON. 

it morning ? Oh, everything sterns so strange ! I alone, alone, my 
brain whirls! Mabel! Mabel!" [Mabel draws curtains around 
her, winds around 'till comes to curtain and sinks.] 

SCENE IV. 
Parlor — Enter Nora, dustina. 

Nora — " I'm glad to git me work done before that crazy cousin 
comes. I wonder where Miss Mabel and Miss Gertie can be. 
Slaping still the beauta; may they slape swately is the wish of Nora. 
It nearly drives me wild to see that craxy cousin, Hofius, he scares 
the life out o' me. Nary a night have I slept a good slape. {Hofius 
appears at door tmobserved by her.) I try and try to slape, but 
no slape comes to me eyes for the dreamin' o' him. Yes, I'se f raider 
than death itself o' him. {Nora observes him.) Holy Mother, L am 
kilt now 1 {Sits on carpet.) I couldn't walk a peg if I tried ; not if I 
died the next minnit; so very wake, you know. I'm all gone; no 
brith in me bones." 

KoYiim: --[Laughinij.] "I will help yon. Nora. Are you sick, 
eh?" 

Nora : — " Oh. yis, 1 shouldn't wonder. I'm almost gone wid a 
faint stomach." [Hofius helps her up, she looks frightened.] 

Hofius : — " I will help you up slicker 'n a fiddle." [Goes to door 
when Hofius shuffles feet to frighten her.] 

Nora : — " Oh. Merciful Powers, I'm dead agin ! " 

Hofius: --" Dead again, Nora? Then crawl off and bury your- 
self I must read. {Commences to read and Nora crawls off 
frightened. Recites this; opens book.) 

Wild was the night, yet a wilder night 

Hung 'round the soldier's pillow, 
Be not like dumb driven cattle, 

Be a hero in the strife. 

Guess I had better look, that don't sound good. Poetry does for 
girls but not for men. Brutus and Csesar, etc., is the kind of a man 
I am. Muscle in that — " [Mnter Hilton and Mrs. Howard.] 

Hilton : — " I was sure I had educated Mabel to be kind to the 
poor; I am sorry she should turn against them; I hope you will 
teach her better. Well, Hofius, how is elocution prospering? " 

H©Fius : — " I tell you, Uncle Jim, I am getting elocution down to 
about as fine a point as it can be got. I take to it like a duck takes 
to water." [Enter Gertie and Mabel. Gertie goes to Hofius. \ 



OERTRUDK MASON. 37 

Mabel : — " Why, Papa, I have been looking all over for you." 

Hilton : — " I presume so. Small demand on my pocket-book, is 
it not? " 

Mabel : — " Yes. Gertie and I are going to the opera, Wednes- 
day evening ; we would like you to accompany us if you will, but if 
you cannot we know of one who can fill the place admirably. And 
I want a new opera cape and a new hat or Gertie will be ashamed 
to go with me; my cloak looks shabby." 

Hilton: — " Then get one. by all means." 

Mabel; — " Oh, you are the boss Pax^a." •• 

Howard: — " I should think e.Ktra clothes were superfluous; such 
pretty faces ought to carry vou thiough." 

Mabel: — " Well, as cousin Hof. says, I want it just the samee." 

Hilton : — " Mabel, I am shocked ! Arn't you ever going to pos- 
sess any dignity, any respect for others? " 

Mabel : — " Dear me, I forget ' I'll commence all over <igain and 
and tiy to be careful.'* 

HoFius :— " I know something that will cure you." 
Mabel;- " Do you? Tell me, and I will take the dose, whatever 
it may be." 

HoFiiJS : — '"Vou don't take it; it takes you." 

Mabel : — " It takes me? 'Does it wear a hat? Garry a cane? " 

Hilton :—-" Your conduct is ridicidous!" 

HoFius ; — " Pshaw! she isn't half so bad as 8h« was down in the 
country. Now you wouldn't believe it, but 111 be darned if sue 
didn't— (Mabel scowls,) if — if — it don't rain awfully down on the 
farm; makes things look as green -" 

Hilton; -(Smiling,) Yes, I presume so. I have heard that Ma- 
bel carried on terribly: climbed cht>riy trees and stiaw-stacks 
and—" 

HoFius:— " Yon bet she could and quicker than I; but th+»re was 
one thing I could do. beat her on a race to catch {MnheA ttrowU.) 
to catch, we'd catch the iut'ernalest colds vou ever hoard of after the 
rainy spells." \ Mabel lanx/hs.] 

Hilton:— [iS'?Hi/e.s.] "Mrs. Howard, wf' will go into the library. 
Who is to be your escort, Mabel? " 

Mabel :— " Harry Hanford." 

Hilton:—" Is that anothtr lover of Gertrude's? " 



38 aERTRUDE MASON. 

Gertie : — " Uncle, how cau you be so unkind '? " 

Mabel : — " Why. Fapa, how can you speak so unkind to Gertie 
when I love her so ! " 

Hilton: — " Yes, but you are loving your enemy." 

Mabel : — " Never mind, Gertie, that woman is the cause of these 
remarks." 

Gertie: — " I understand; I am no longer a baby." [Exit R.] 

Mabel : — " What a wicked world ! Those who are the best fare 
^he worst." 

HoFius: — " You are right, and it is my private opinion that old 
Madam Howard has got enough downright cussedness in her to 
supply a nation; don't you think so." 

Mabel : — " Yes, sir, I do. Say, Coz., I thought von wanted me 
to recite those lines with you." 

HoFius : — " Yes, course I do. I'd thought I'd ask \ou about it, 
but, darn my buttons, if I didn't kind a hate to." 

Mabel: — [Taking book.] "Let me take the book and recite it 
as I was taught, then you may imii ate it ; (reads) ' Beautiful visions 
I see before me; all is calm and serene; but when I turn and look, 
O, agony of the past! ' How do you like that? " 

HoFius : - -" That's boss. " 

Mabel: — " Remv^mber the gestures, and whtn you turn, turn 
quickly. Now try it." 

HoFius '.--[Takes book: aivkward gestures.] " ' Beautiful visions 
I sc^ afore me; all is cam and serene; but when I tRrn— " \T2crns 
and falls; Mabel laughs while. he lies there.] 

M.KB'EL:—[Laugingly.] Cousin, we will have to have a curtain 
for extra occasions. (iatfg/i«) Oh, dear!" [Hofius still lies on 
floor.] 

HoFius : — "Keep right on laughing; laugh if you want to. (*Si/,s- 
uj)) I'll give up the business, go right home, won't stay any longer ; 
keep right on^aughing. Mabel. I'll go right home and niarry Sue 
Wright, to-morrow, and I'll let that old mother of hern boss me, 
too. Don't stop laughing for me. You knew darned well I would 
tumble down, didn't you? " 

Mabel: -" No I— I did not." 

HoFius : — " Yes you did. Sue Wright's good 'nough for me 
anyhow." [Looks silly at Mabel.] 

Mabel: — " You want to make me jealous by talking of Sue. I 
was laughing to see what a teacher I'd make " 



GERTRrDE MASON. 39 

HoFius:— " You can't fool this chicken, I know something I 
guess. Sue Wright is good enough for me. Sue haint to be sneezed 
at. She could just throw a cart load of city girls over her left 
snoulder and carry them to market for second-hand rubbish." 
M.ABKJ.:— [Pouting.] " Hof., you don't like me at all.'' 
HoFiiTs:— " You know darn well I do; but, as the saying goes, 
"never jjut off 'till to-m<»rrow what you can do to-day.' " 

Mabel:—" What do you moan by that." 

HoFius :— " Just this • If you laugh at me again I shall not put 
Sue off 'till to-morrow but go and marry her to-day. If you liked 
me as well as Gertie does her feller you'd sing something pitiful 
like she did. T don't wonder that the boys don't like you. Why 
don't you sing something kindy soft about me if you like me so 
tarnel well." 

Mabel : — " Often have I, in the still hours of evening, sat me 
down in the parlor and scratched the strings of my guitar and 
wondered where you were, like the twinkle twinkle little star. 
(Voice.'< Jieard ivithout.) Listen! I thought [ heard Mrs. Howard 
and Loceno ; if they are together it means something. Go and let 
me listen. I am afraid for Gertie and Papa." [Eonit Hofiux: Mabel 
conceals herself; Enter Mrs. Howard and Loceno,] 

Howard : — " I have been studying this over carefully; you know 
she intends going soon to Prof. Weed's seminary, down the Hudson 
river, about 80 miles from here, and you must begin to attend to 
things. There is to be a grand concert at Park Centre, to-morrow 
evening. They are very elegant affair.s. Gertie wants to go, so Mr. 
Hilton is going to send her with one of the gentlemen from the 
bank to accompany her there. You can meet her when she steps 
out of the carriage, conduct her to the hotel ; the carriage will re- 
turn and she will be left alone at your mercy. She is timid, vow 
threaten her with the promises of her dyiog mother, and you will 
win. But for fear that does not, I can arrange something that will. 
Mr. Hilton is Gertie's guardian. Gertie knows nothing of the dis- 
posal of her money. Y^ou fix up some pa]3er, I can write like him 
so I will sign his name to it and convey the idea to her that this 
belongs to you should she refuse. That will frighten her as sht-. is 
too proud to be dependent on anyone. You could not do this with 
many women, but Gertie is a truthful, timid, trusting gir]. Such 
people never suspect, and can be frightened into anything. Mabel 
will be obliged to remain at home to-morrow evening as Mr. Hilton 
has told her some of his friends will be here and she must help 
entertain: so Gertie will be alone. I believe vou can have your 



40 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Gertie and the mouey." 

LocENO : — " Yes, Mrs. Howard, I want both. I love Gertie madly, 
but her money is quite acceptable. They all think I teach tor 
pastime, but tne money never comes amiss. '' 

Howard : — " I believe everything is arranged satisfactorily. " 
[rises.] 

LocENo : — " I am sure we will be happy. I shall look for and be 
prepared for her to-morrow night." 

Howard : — " A.nd you shall not be dissapointed, but I will see 
you once more before you leave." [Both exit L.] 

Mabel: — [Comes from hiding place.] " So this is the scheme is 
it. Oh, how can Papa be duped by such a woman, yet he believes 
her instead of me. (Enter Hojius.) Hof., where is Gertie? " 

HoFius:—" Coming in here she said. Say, did it pay you to 
listen : I guess you didn't hear anything good about yourself, did 
you? " [Enter Gertie.] 

Mabel : — " No, I did not. Oh, Gertie, I have something 
terrible to tell you, and we may need help. [ will make a confidant 
of Hofius. Coz., will you stand by us and not reveal a word we 
may tell you ? " 

'Ko'siv^x— [Putting hands in pockets.] " Say, do you take me 
for a darn tattler ? No, course I wont tell, ho siree ! " 

Mabel : — " That Mr.s. Howard has made Papa believe that Gertie 
wants to marry Loceno. They are going to have you go to the 
Park concert. I want you, Gertie, to agree to everything Papa 
says ; act delighted if necessary. When the carriage comes I will 
go. (Shows pistol.) I have this and can use it, can't I, Hof.? " 

HoFius : — " Yon bet." 

Gertie :— " I cannot see you go alone. If anything should hap- 
pen you have a fjither who eares for yon, I have no one who would 
misB me. I must go." 

Mabel : — " You shall not go. The man who owns the hotel is 
Papa's old friend. I am safe, but I want Papa to know that I 
understand this, I want him to know." 

Gertie: — " If yon wish to go to convince your father, why, I will 
consent." 

Mabel :— " That's a good girl. Come, Hof. " [Exit Hof. & Mabel] 

Gertie : — " They ought not to be in so great a hurry to dispose 

of me. They cannot compel me to marry Loceno, no never. I 

shall soon leave for my school. ' Tis a bitter thought to know that 

my uncle wishes me here no longer, but to know tliat uncle would 



GERTRUDE MASON. 41 

be willing, or bveu suffer me to marry Loceoo, is worse than all. 
Yet, he says and does all through the love of Mrs. Howard. Yes, 
uncle, I forgive you, for love is a mighty mystery, we are its slaves 
wnen in its coils. Oh — '\ Enter Mrs, HoumrcL] 

Howard : — " Oh, Miss Gertie, why so despondent, happiness 
awaits you." [Gertie look.s at her then turns back -when answering] 

O-ertie: — " Are you sure that any happiness awaits me? I 
wish I could feel that any happiness awaits me. Tell me, is there 
anything new to distuib the monotony? " 

Howard : — " Yes, your uncle has made arrangements for you to 
attend the Park Theatre concert. Y'ou will be accompanied by 
onf> of the men in the bank. Now, do yoii not think that happi- 
ness? " 

Gertie; — " I am extremely happy. I will i^repare myself. How 
kind of uncle, how thoughtful, how very kind." 

Howard : — " Your uncle will send a carriage for you at seven. I 
am sorry that Mabel cannot accompany you, but Mr. Hanford and 
others will be here this eveuing." [Exit.] 

Gertie : — '" Oh, I can go alone for the sake of attending the con- 
cert. (Enter Hilton li.) Uncle, I've heard of my concert trip, is 
your driver safe? " 

Hilton : — " Perfectly. I hope you Nvill have a pleasant time." 
Gertie: -" I expect to have a delightful time." 
Hilton : — " Yes, here is the carriage ; you will have a delightful 
time." [Exit L.\ Enipv Mabel showing pistol; dressed toga out] 
Mabel: — " I will have lots of fun." 

Gertie : — " Dear Mabel, 1 am «o afraid you will have trou.ble. It 
seems a desperate thing for you to do." 

Mabel: — " Never fear; I'm not afraid of anybody, (hurt care iov 
anybody, do I, Hof. ? " 

HoFius : — " No; that's the trouble, you don't care for anybody, 
no, course you don't, but I wi^h yoft did." 

Mabel: — [Looking out of windoiv.i "There's the carriage; 
come Hof., I must hurry and be sly." [Exit Gertie R. Mabel and 
Hofiiis L. Enter Nora arranging chairs.] 

N(»ra : — '" There is mischief somewhere, mischief up someplace. 
Ah, Mrs. Howard, yo are of the meanest, slyest; ah, ye are at the 
bottom of tJiis." [Enter Mrs. Howard and Mr. Hilton.] 

Howard: -' Nora, has Miss Gertie gone? " 

Nora: — " Yis. mum,'^he carriage jist drav down thestrate."i jS'xff 
Left.] 



42 aERTRUDE MASON, 

Hilton : — " I hope Oertie will liave a good tirae. If she can 
endure him she is welcome to him. " 

Howard : — " Of course she scarcely exoected to meet him so soou. 
Then she will be out of Mabel's way when Ernest comes, if he ever 
does." 

Hilton: — " Yes, if he ever does ! Oh, that Oertie should come 
between them when you had told her I was so interested iu Ernest 
and Mabel. She is very unlike her father and mother or she could 
not have done so. ' Tis strange! " 

Howard : — " I will admit it is strange. But. ' still waters run 
deep.' " 

Nora: — " Mr. Hanford is in the drawing room.'" 

Hilton :—" Show him in. (MrH. Howard me.s to go.) Mr.s. 
Howard, please remain, you are acquainted with Mr. Hanford. 
Wnerever I am I am happier by having you present. I presume 
Harry is delighted to know that business, will bring him here often 
as Mabel's society is very agreeable. Oh. well; young folks ouglit 
not te be blamed when old folks do the same, eh? " [3nter Harry 
L. all boiv, shake hands, etc., Mrs. Hoinard places chair.] 

Howard:— " Please be seated. Mr Hanford." {Enter Hojiiis 
whistling.] 

Hilton: -" Mr. Hanford, my nephew, Mr. Haskins.'' [Hofius 
shakes heartily and loiig.] 

HoFius; — " How do you do, sir, I'm glad to make your acquaint' 
ance. I've saw a good many folks since I have been visiting at uncle 
Jim's. (Tips back in chair.) Haint this V)een an awful sozzW dtiy 
though?" 

Harry: — " Yes. rather disagreeable.'" 

Hilton : — " Were you successful in finding those papers, Mr, 
Hanford?'" 

Harry: — " My partner has nearly ail of them now." 

HoFius : — " Did you say yoiu" name was Hanford? " 

Harry : — " Y^es. .sir. " 

HoFius : — " The name Hanford i.s very common to me, but be- 
tween you and me I never knew a Hanford yet that was worth 
pew^der to blow them away. (All look astonished.) That is, I never 
happened to saw one. But I don't mean to say that you are not a 
square feller." [Hilton Interrnptinrj.] 

Hilton: — " I fear, Mr. Hanford, that you Will find some difficulty 
in arranging that matter; 'tis quite an affair.'" 



(iERTBUDE MASON. 43 

- HoFius:— " Yes, the name Hanford seuuds natural. Why, yoa 
are Harry Hanford, haint you? " 

Hakry: — " Yes, that is my name." 

Hilton:—" Hofius, I think you are a little too curious." 

HoFius :— '' Well, I was just trying to find out something." 

Gertie:— [^nier Gertie, all look oonfufied.] "Mr. Hanford, 
Mabel expected to be here, but decided to go to the concert in my 
place. She wished me to apologise to you for her absence. {Hilton 
rifies; Hofliis turns to audience and iaugJis.) I tried to persuade 
her to remain but. she was determined to go. Why so agitated, 
uncle? 

HiLTo>i: — " My God! what will become of her. Mrs. Howard, 
what is to be done? Tlof., order a earriage immediately, let me go 
to her. Loceno, in his anger, would show no mercy. Hoaven.s! " 
{Exit Hofius.] 

Harry:--" Mr. Hilton, tell me where to go, give me a hor«e and 
saddle. I can go better than yon. Where is she? " 

Hilton: — '" She is at Park Centre hdtel and will meet Loceno 
Diluppa there : such a man as he W(iuld not hc;sitate to do anything 
when angry. Take the best horse, Hanford. T will follow in the 
carriage." [Hofiui< heard without.] 

HoFius:--" This way. uncle." [Exit Hilton and H.irry. | 
Howard: — '" I thought iiou. were goin^." 

Gertie:— "No, I decided \o Iri Mabel go in my place ;i< the 
l)le;isure was too gi-eat; I was afraid I could not appreciate it. 'Tis 
strange that uncle Jame^s should be so exercised over this since von 
and he were so sure of my having a pheasant evening." {Enter Hof 
iauLikiny.] 

Howard:-" This is very sLrauge! 

Gertie: — " Yes, indeed, this i.s very Vf'nj strauge." 

HoFics: — *• You'r right, Madam Howard, this is darne<l strange." 

Howard: — [To Hotius.j " Did you know that Mabel was going? " 

HoFius: -" A.sk me no questions and I'll tell you no lies." 

Howard :— " This is very strange I must say." {Exit.] 

HoFius:--" This bothers the old girl, don't it? She thinks we 

<'.an't saw through anything." 

Gertie:—" Hof., I am so nervous, I am so afraid that something 

may harm Mabel. [Hofius Qoes to her,] I am glad you Are here?" 



44 GERTRUDE MASON. 

HoFius : — " So am I. You aint ' fraid when I am here, be you, 
Gertie?" 

Gertie : — " No. What a cruel looking woman Mrs. Howard is. 
I hope Mabel will come unharmed as I go to my school to-morrow." 

HoFius ;— " Well now you need not fret over Mabel, she is all 
right; but I wish you would kind a look after me." 

Gertie : — [Mises and laughs.] " Come in the library with me, 
Hofius, I am terribly nervous. (Hofius wants to be coaxed. \ Hof. 
please come with me. I dislike to go alone. Arn't you coming? " 

HoFius :— r" Who would you rather have go with you than m*^? " 

Gertie: — " No (me, no one." [Both exit arm in arm.'] 

SCENE V. 
Room, in hotel ; Loceno pacina to and fro. 

LocENo : — " It is time for Gertie to be here, but they have prob- 
ably driven slow. What a lovely wife she will make; how 
I will be envied. Oh, if she only loved me as I do her. If she 
does not readily consent I will have a dark home for her till she 
does. Yet I will not harm her, I could not harm her, she is too 
lovely. But she shall marry me, I have everything in readines. 
(Goes to door.) You are there are you, boys, (tuio ansiver yes. 
Enter Mabel closely veiled.) Oh, my dear Gertie, yon did not ex- 
pect to see me did you! " [Mabel uncovers face.] 

Mabel: — " Oh yes, but did you expect to see me? " 

LocENo: — [Stei)s back] " Heavens! how came vou here— whv — 
how—" 

Mabel: — "I came in the carriage, the same way Gertie would 
have come. I enjoy the joke more than Gertie would. Come, 
Loceno. take me to the concert, I am all ready." 

LoGBNO : — *' What under heavens brought you here, (advancing 
toicard her.] How did you know I was here? Who told you? Tell 
me! " 

Mabel: — " I wanted to go to the conce?'t. Ha! ha! " 

LocENo :- -" Who told you I was here ! I could crush yon. " [Goes 

toward her.] 

Mabel : — " Staud where you are. You can talk to me if you want 

to, you know T am not afraid of you." 

LocENo : — " Do you suppose a woman's threats would effect me? 



GEKTUrDE MASON. • 45 

Your father, Mrs. Howard and all are conspiring against me. What 
a fool they have made of me. How did you know I was here? O ! 
I could crush you. " 

Mabel : — [Taking out lAstol,] " I am pleased to see you bufdon't 
come too near." 

LocENo : — " Do n<»t further taunt me or y du shall have the fate of 
Gertrude had she been stubborn. Who told you I was here? Who 
told you I was here, I ask again. Do you still refuse to tell mo who 
told you? I am not alone, Miss Mabel, I hare plenty of help at a 
moment's notice. Why do yon not answer? " \Goes toward her.] 

Mabel:—" My only answer is: This shows no mercy." 

Ijocf.'^o:— [Stepping back, tapping on door when two masked 
■men rush in and, cover her with blanket which bears Iter to floor] 
" Hold her tight, she is armed. 

Mabel :— " Help ! Help ! " 

LooENO; — " It will do you no good to cry, no one can hear you.'* 

Masked Men: — " Shall we carry her to the place you directed? " 

LocENO : — " Not yet, liold ner tight, she is armed. Now, my fine 
captured bird, tell me who told you T w.as awaiting (xertrude." 

Mabel:--" Help! help! " 

LocENo : — "Your voice isn't lond enough to pass beyond this 
wall. Are Mrs. Howard and Mr. Hilton conspiring against me? 
[Mabel fires pistol. Enter Harri/. Knocks Loceno d,own.\ 

Harry:—" What doos this mean? Where is Mabel? " 

Mabel: — " Harry, is this you? [Masked man & Harrtj wrestle, 
Harry falls. Mabel winds blanket around head of masker. 
Loceno starts to go forward. Intt falls back. Harry remain.^ 
wnconcious. Masked, man jncks up 'Mabel and, grasps Loceno's 
hand.] Help! h-^lp! Oh, Harry! oh Harry." [Mabel is wrapped in 
blanket to tighten arms. Loceno walks feebly.] 

Masked Man :—" Come or we shall be caught. [Filter Hilton 
and tioo officers. \ 

Hilton :— '" Oh. uiy child! Drop her instantly." 

First officer binds masked man, second officer giasps Loceno. Mabel falls to 
floor. Harry rises and falls to floor again. Mabel throws up arms. 

Mabel:—" Oh, Papa." [Faints in Jus arms.] 
Hilton: — " Loceno, what have you been doing? " 
Loceno:—" You sent Mabel here instead of Gertrude; you and 
Mrs. Howard are conspiring against me. You have bed to me." 



46 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Hilton: — " Hold, hold, sir, you are in the hands of these men. 
Mabel, are you better? " 

Mabel : — " Yes, but I am so nervous, so frightened. 

Hilton: — " Harry, how does your head feel? " 

Harry : — " I am better now. 

LocENo:--" I would not wrong Mabel, I only tried to have her 
tell me how -she happened to know I was here. Some day I shall 
know what this means." 

Hilton : — " Loceno, we did not know that Mabel intended com- 
ing here. (Mabel goes to Harry.) They must have planned it. I 
am sorry it has turned out so unsatisfactorily to you, and will give 
you money to return to your former place, I will give it to you will- 
ingly." 

LocENo: — " I know I need money, but oh, heavens! must I go 
and leave Gertrude? " [Mabel and Harry stand teft of fro7it.\ 

Hilton: -" I can s«e no other way There is no use, she will 
never marry yo« although you are good enough for her." [M&bel 
shudders.] 

LocENO : — " Am I good enough for her ? I was good enough for 
her money but not for Gertie." [Hilton gives money.] 

Hilton : — " Here is all the money you need. Take it and promise 
never to return. Do yon promise? " 

LocENO : — "I do. I would not take the money but necessity 
compels me to." [Puts moneif in jjocket.] 

Hilton: — " There will only be more of such trouble if 3''ou re- 
main, so be good as your word and keep away from us." 

LocENo: — "I will never return. [Steps toward Mabel] Miss 
Mabel, will you take my last words to Gertie ? Tell her farewell ; 
tell her I would suffer keenest agony for years for one sweet smile 
as I leave her forever. Her name shall be last on my lips when 
dying. Tell her good bye. I am ready to go. " I Exit Loceno and 
O'fficers L.] 

Hilton: — " Come, we must go. (Harry throivs cape around 
Mabel.) Mabel, how could you do so rash a thing? " 

Mabel: — T am all right: but oh, what would cousin Gertie have 
have done? My trouble is nothing compared to what poor cousin 
Gertie would have suffered. I am thankful is was T, but oh, what a 
shameful trick ! " [Exit all R.] 



aEETRUDE MASON. 47 

SCENE VI. 
Parlor— Hofiua with book in hand readhig. 

HoFius : — \Iteads.^^ 

Great and understaiuling nation, 

Bear with one, whose humble pen, 
Sends this hearty commendation 
Flying through the mouths of men. 
Let me turn to something else. {Read.) ' The Tillage sewing society.' 
Miss Jones is late again to-day, 
I'd be ashamed if it was me. 
I can't read, course I can't road. A feller can't when he is dead in 
love with three girls. Out of the three which shall it be. [Tragical- 
ly.] Out of the three, which shall it l)e? " [Enter Gertie.'] 

TtERTIe: — " Reading again, are you? I wish I could read or do 
anything, I ara so nervous, I think of Mabel continually." 

HoFiTJS : — " Nervous, why that's what all old maids say. You 
don't intend to be an old maid do you. Gertie? '' 

Gertie: — " Yes. I do." 

HoFius:— " Sure as you live and breathe aint you ever going to 
get married? " 

Gertie : — " No. I sijall not." 

HoFius : — " That lets me out. " 

Gertie: -" I hope Mabel is all right." 

HoFius:--" You bet she is all right; needn't fret about iiei-, she 
was prepared; she haint none of your caterpillar kind." 

Gertie : — " I am glad to hear you speak so assuringiy. She 
must come in time to see me at the landing. I could ri')t leave 
without seeing her." 

HoFius : — ** Don,t you suppose that anybody else hates to see 
you go? I know a feller that will watch your boat 'till it gets 
clean out of sight." 

Gertie: — [Thinking .\ " How can I say farewell to unole Hilton 
after he has done as he has? " 

HoFius : - -" There it goes again. Don't you hate to say good bye 
to any one else? " [Enter Harry and Mabel X.] 

Gertie : — " Dear Mabel, I am so glad you arc here and safe, too. 
Now I am happ\.'" 



48 GERTRUDE MASON; ' 

Mabel: — " Yes, Gertie, I have had a teirible time; I'm so tirecL 
Come into my room. Harrj, you and Hofius must excuse us as we 
must prepare for Gertie's departure; you know she leaves for her 
school to-day, and the boat comes ia at three o'clock. Be sure to 
be at the landing, and come a little before tirae." {Exit L.] 

HoFius : — [Confidentially.] "Well, I suppose you have had a 
devil of a time. I suppose Mabel told you all about the fuss. (Har- 
ry remains silent; Hofius brings chair close to Harry) You 
needn't be so darned fraid to talk to me about it, I know the whole 
business and I told the girls that I wouldn't tell and darned if I 
will. (Sits back.) So if you have anyfcliing^to say, spit her out." 

Harry : — " There is not much t<"> say, but it was fortunate for me 
that Mr. Hilton came in as he did or they might have u»ed me up." 
[Enter Mr. Hilton and Mrs. Howard.] 

Hilton: — "Hofius. did yoii know that Mabel was going last 
night? " [Hofius acts co7ifu.se,d.] 

Hofius: — " She is always doing something when you don't expect 
her to. Lord sake, no one knows Just what she is going to do, but 
darned if she don't always come out boss. I haint ever saw such a 
girl." 

Hilton: — " Then you did not know she was going? " 

Hofius : — " She's a surpriser ; always surprising some one. [Loo ks 
at icatch.] Harry, it will soon be time to go and see Gertie leave, 
and come with me, there is something Gertie wanted us to do before 
she left." 

Hilton: — "Is Gertie going to-day, going without saying any- 
thing to me? " [Hofius ayid Harry start ~L,] 

Hofius : --" I can't say as to that, but she is going all the same." 
[Both exit.] 

Howard : -" Your nephew is quite original." 

Hilton : — " Yes, and fully as disagreeable. So Gertrude is going. 
I know I do not deserve a parting word from her as she is satisfied 
that I was in the plot." 

Howard : — " I tried to convince her that you never suspected 
anything wrong, I thought it best as you were her uncle." 

Hilton: — " You are kind to think of it, but I am sure she be- 
lieves me guilty, as I am. Gertrude's mother was my only sister, a 
lovely woman. Gertrude resembles her; that same sweet, forgiving 
disposition." 

Howard : — " Ah, no, not a very good disposition to plan the sep- 
eration of Mabel and Ernest. Had lier mother lived she might 



GERTRUDE MASON. 49 

have been a better girl, but, as it is, I shall stand by Mabel." 

Hilton :— " I am sorry that Getie has done as she has. Her 
father was my main sui^port wheu I started out in business. I owe 
everything to them ; my life to her mother's tender care, my fortune 
to her father's kindness and instruction. No matter what she has 
doue it is my duty to go and bid h^r good bye." [Exit.] 

Howard : — " What a conscientious man lie is; that is why it is. so 
hard to disbelieve in others. I am, indeed, left alone; I must rely 
upon myself. Looeno gone and dare not return; Gertie away, too" 
Now I must try to seijerate Mabel and lier father; convince him 
that she has no ufifection for liim, but for others. I'll make things 
so disagreeable, and I'll coiivinc*- him that Mabel is at the bottom 
of it; and if I can get her away I can soon win him, and win him I 
muirt. I was never beaten yet when i started out to do anything 
mean. It's in me to conquer." [E inlt R.] 

SCENE VII. 

Rock.s an^ riyer — Mabel and Gertie standing at top — Hofius and Harry enter at 
left — Hofius takes out handkei chief and wipes his eyes, then watches 
them soberly, 

Hofius : — " Look at 'em, Harry; don't that look like a chromo? " 
Harry: — " Ladies, you are here early." {Hofius and Harry go 

half way to top.'] 

Mabel : — " We thought it would be pleasant here. How can I 

let Gertie leave me? Was that the boat whistle? " 

Hofius: — "No. Don't get scart before you'r hurt." [Snuffing.] 
Gertie: — " Hotius, don't you let Mabel cry again, will you? " 
Hofius: — " No, she shant, if I can help it." \ Nearly crying.] 

Enter Hilton R., stops at a clistance, takes off hat. 

Hilton: — " Gertrude. {All turn to look at him.) May God bless 

and protect you is the prayer of your uncle." [Turns to go when 

she calls him, he returns.] 

Gertie : -" Uncle, I have needed protection, I have prayed for 

it, and now I feel, in my heart, that my prayer is answered by rescu- 
ing me from the hands of my uncle. Farewell." 

Wavet hand — Hilton stands a few moments, then retreats at Right — Boat 

comes in — Mabel and Gertie embrace— Gertrude turns to go— Mabel kissea her 

again — Hofius and Harry go to bottom— Mabel weeping. 

Gertie : — " Do not weep, Mabel. Do anything but weep, I can- 
not bear tears. " 



50 GERTRUDE MASON. 

KoFivs: --[Sobbing.] " Mabel, can't you stop that crying? say! " 
Mabel : — " I must cry. I cannot live without Gertie, I shall be 
so lonely." \Hojius sits on grass and cries aloud.] 

Honus : — " By gosh, that's more'n I can stand, and I haint no- 
body's calf neither." [Gertie comes down rock and tsikes Hofius' 
hand.] 

'Gertie : — " Hofius, you should not care. I am not going- many 
miles away." 

HoEius : — " Don't make a tarnel bit of difiference if you haint, 
for you know well enough we won't, see you in a long time. You 
know you wont be here in a long time ; you know you wont just as 
well as I do." 

Gertie: — [Laughing.] " Take good care of Mabel au,d write me 
sometimes. Good bye, Hofius. [Shanes hands— Harry helps her 
on boat — She looks back and sees Mabel weejAng.) Dear Mabel, 
those tears are useless ; it makes me feel terribly to see you weeping. 
{Laughs.) I would rather leave you laughing or singing. Let's 
sing our little mountain farewell. I would like to hear your voice 
last of all. Sing as long as you can hear me." [BOTH SING.] 



CURTAIN. 



GERTRUDE MASON. 51 



ACT III. SCENE I. [Parlor:] 

Howard :~[Seating herselj in rocking chair.] Well, I certainly 
have everything easy. I am born to luck. I have put in my time 
well since Gertie left ; the^e long, weary mouths have not been very 
pleasant to Mabel. Yes, James Hilton believes in me and doubts 
his child. (Listenina.) I hear voices; I presume it is Mabel and 
her father ; they have a great many little jangles lately, since Gertie 
left. Yes, they are coming this way. I will know what it is about 
this time." [Conceals herself— Entef Hilton and Mabel] 

Hilton : — " Mabel, yon have talked a long time and said nothing, 
substantially nothing. You press so hard on a subject that is no 
subject, that is purely immagination. I cannot be patient, I will 
not listen much longer." 

Mabel: — " Oh, how very weak must be my lips, for God knows 
my heart is full. But oh, Papa, do listen to me if only for the love 
you b«ar me. If my wirds are senseless, do give me credit'for the 
feeling that sends them forth. Kiss me and say you will listen." 

'Hilton:— [Xis.S(es Mabel] " You are terribly excited, child; you 
act strange, very strange indeed " [Embraces her.] 

Mabel: — " Yes, yes, I know it; I know that only too well." 
Hilton: — " There, there; go on and say what you want to." 
Mabel:—" Oh, how I dread to talk to you! I never thought I 
wonld fear to tell >ou any of my troubles, but T do, I do. Papa, 
you must not reproach rae." 

Hilton: — " My child, you are extremely sensative; I do not want 
'^to hurt your feelings. (Kisses her.) Go on." 

Mabel: — "You remember last evening, when you were angrv, 
you said that Harry Hanford was not an honorable young man. 
You wrong him. Papa. Had yon told him to remain away from 
here he would have done so; but it was cruel to tell him that he was 
the means of seperating Ernest and I when he is so innocent." 

Hilton : — " Is it to defend tliis Harry Hanford that you implore 
me to listen to you? Do you ask a boon of my love for his sake? 
Is this what y(m want? " 

Mabel: — "No, no. Papa, no, no. Do be patient; I will soon 
reach the subject. Do not interrupt me. You have been deceived, 
made to believe that dear cousin Gertie was intriguing, that slie 
seperated Ernest and I. Now, that she is away, you fall upon poor 



52 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Harry and sav that it was he. Oh, I know why you think as you 
do. You are not yourself. No, that woman, that Mrs. Howard, 
has turned you. You are not the same kind, thoughtful father that 
you once were. Once you had sympathy for me, for all that was 
near you; but that woman, those eyes — " 

Hilton : — " Mabel, I cannot hear you speak in such terms of Mrs. 
Howard; you wound me when you speak ill of her. I know what 
Gertrude Mason tried to do, but, through the kindness of Mrs. 
Howard, she failed to accomplish her purpose. Then Harry Han- 
ford comes to take up the gauntlet where Gertie left off, but he, too, 
shall fail." 

Mabel: — "How can she deceive you so? V\ hat can I say to 
make you see your error? I only hope you will know before it is 
too late. Do you believe all the bad things she tells you ? " 

Hilton:—" I believe all she tells me. She is a kind, sympathetic 
woman." 

Mabel: — " She kind, she good, she, with those cruel eyes? Ob, 
Papa, for heaven's sake, are you mad? Y'es, you must be. Did 
she not make you believe that I loved Ernest, and that Gertie and 
Harry came between us ? " 

Hilton : — " I know that it was impossible for any one to dislike 
Ernest; I know that Gertrade, in he*- selfishness, tried to win him, 
and, when she failed, she left Harry Hanford to liaish. She told a 
falsehood to Loceno; that you have taken a considerable upon your- 
self, and that Harry Hanford was a nobody. These things I know." 

Mabel: — " Sucb cruel things would never have entered your 
head had it not been for that woman. I will be truthful and tell 
you I despised Ernest Vaughn from the day I tii-st saw him, bat 
Harry Hanford I love with my whole heart." 

Hilton: — " Mabel, this requires more patience than I possess; to 
to hear you speak in this way! Why, you lecture your father; you 
defend those wh") are your enemies; you speak unjustly of Mrs. 
Howard, a woman who would sacrifice her happiness for any little 
pleasure of yours. Ah, Mabel, could you have seen her weeping 
yesterday because of some careless and unthankful remark of yours, 
you would be ashamed of the manner in which you have spoken. 
There is some one filling your head with this trasli and you are 
stupid to not see it." 

Mabel: — " You talk very differently from the old way. I never 
heard anything but pet names from you until that woman came into 
our home. I have noticfid the coldness creeping over you. Oh, 
Gertie, Harry and I mu»t all be blamed because of that cruel 



GERTRUDE MASON. 53 

woman." 

Hiltun:— " I wil] uot hear your pleadings for Harry Hanford. I 
know why he comes here, but I forbid your seeing him; he must 
not come here again. You must not communicate in any way. Do 
you hear me? " 

M.^bel: — " I hear you. I hear you, but speak no more of him. 
(Goes to 1dm and takes hand.) Much as I love Harry I will obey 
you. I can bear any sorrows for your sake, for Mamma's last words 
were • 'Love and obey your father.' Once we were happy in think-, 
iiig atid t-illiiag of her. Papa. H-oall ojir home before she came 
here; we were so bappy. so ha})pY; but now you grow angry at me; 
scold me; you do not ask for kisses when you come to dinner; she 
takes my place at the table; you smile on her and reproach me. your 
child. I see it. every one sees ir, and now, and now, my father, t ask 
yon, for the sake of my dead molher. awake, awake, awakt^ Pa])a; 
you are asleep and the serpent is nestling in your bosom. Hear 
me, oh, hear me; I beg, i pray you from my soul." , 

Hilton : — " Mabel, do you believe, do you from your inmost heart, 
believe that Hester Howard is deceiving me? " 

Mabel: — " I know she is; I know it, oh, so well." 
Hilton: — " You think me a gray headed dolt; you think she con- 
trols me; you beg of me as if I were a maaiac; you have shamefully 
wronged a noble woman; you have slandered her. I tell you she is 
a good woman and I intend to marry her, and the time is not far 
distant. Yes, I shall marry her if I live. " 

Mabel: — " Oh, Crod help me now! Retract those words or my 
heart will break. I would suffer anything for you ; I would die 
for you ; but I would rather see you dead than that woman's lius- 
band." 

Hilton: — " I see plainly that jou are beside yourself. {Golmj to 
left.) She will make you a go'>d mother." 

Mabel: — " Stop, father, it is a sacrilege." 

Hilton:— [XertiJing. J " I must leave vou; I was a fool to remain 
so long." [EMt L:\ 

Mabel: — " Oh, my father! my father, God pity and forgive him. 
My once loving Papa; my once happy home; all gone! " [Exit R.] 

Howard : — [Enteriiig from place of concealment] " That was 
indded glorious. He has all confidence in me. Ah! I her mother! 
that was terrible for her to hear. Ha! ha! but I cannot help laugh- 
ing. I her mother ! ha ! ha ! haughty girl !. That was a bitter dose. " 
[Exit R.] 



54 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Nora: — {Enterinq with dusting rag.\ " Somotimes I wish I'd 
the money, then niver a bit o' throuble wud I have. I'd have me 
Bridget, I'd have me Nora and I'd have me housekeeper wid Tim 
as the master. Ah, ;yis, Tim as the Mr. Finnegan and I the Mrs. 
Fiunegan. Yit, money don't buy happiness, it can't buy happiness, 
no, now ye'r talkin' ; it don'r. buy happiness. Didn't I meet Miss 
Mabel a cryin' an' a cryin' as though her little heart wud break? 
The foinest little girrul in the land. {Crying.) Yis, now that I ajn 
started a cryin' I may Jist as well do it all at wunst and shed a few 
beautiful tears for Tim, for Tim, the brave. (Takes letter from 
poeket.) Guess I will lead^ yer letther again. Tim, if ye don't 
moind, I can't make out this writin', but I can remember what 
Mabel said was in here, so I will jist rade it to meself this toime. 
(Snuffing ayid crying. \ " Me own darlint Nora, me own darlint 
Nora. I am nearly crazy wid grief, a grievin' for me Nora." (To 
audience.) Ah, that sounds like Tim; he! he! (Thinking.) Now, 
^hat was it he said next; what was it. Ah, yis, I have it now, 
" The days are so long, and so long widout me Nora. Niver a noight 
do I shlape for the dreamin' o' me Nora." Now, w-hat was the 
nixt he wroted? it was the swatest of all, but, botiier me life, Ican't 
remimber it. It was swater thin anytliing yez ever heard." [Enter 
Hofius, fr^ightens Nora.] 

HoFius : — " Say, Nora, reading your love letter?" 

Nora : — " I was readin' a letther, a short letther from me mither 
in oiild Oireland." 

HoFius: — " Does she write a ' swate ' letter? [Enter Mabel dressed 
for a walk. To Mabel.] Nora was just perusing a short letter from 
her motlier." 

Mabel: — " What do you mean, Hof., Nora has no mother." 

Nora: — [Leaving.] " Now, Miss Mabel, you have ixposed me. I 
don't care, he was very insultin' to me, an' L wud loike to see the 
girrul that wud be afther ownin' it. I'd lie, niesilf, afore I'd say it 
was Tim; sure I wud." [Exit back.] 

Mabel : — " Yon and Nora do not seem to be the best of friends, 
do you? I am going for a short walk, am in hopes of feeling l)ettfr 
on mj return." 

HoFius : — " Mabel. I liate to see you look so blue, you look so 
awful down the mouth. I j^uess I'll go home. I haven't saw you 
act good >ince Gertie left. Oh, I suppose vou are getting tired of 
me." 

Mabel: — " Why, Coz.. you must not talk this way; I do not 
know what I should do if yon were to leave me. I will feel better 



riERTRTTDE MASON. 55 

from being out in the air awhile. No matter what is said or done 
you must not go away, as you are the only one in the house that 
cares for me." 

HoFius : --" Yon are darned right I care for von. I should say I 
did care for you. Gosli all fire-bugs! you bet I car^5 for y.u." 

Mabel :— " We ar<^ cousins and liave the Drivilege of Hking each 
other, hnt it would bo ridiculous should we think of falling in love." 

Hofius:— [Loo 4. s- sivrprised.\ " It would? " 

Mabel:—'' Why, certainly! Bur, of course, you and I do not 
want to. I must go; good bye, Coz." [Exit L,] 

HoFTUs :— " That's the way it is, is it? We don't want to fall in 
love, el). Well, may be we don't, and then, agiu, may be we do. 
Wliy, I'm too fur ^one this minnit to say /don't want ti). I'm right 
thei-p. No, by thun.ler, I'm right there. By gosh, I do love her, 
and I kind a tliinti: sli(i doo^i mj, ojt she is ba.uf.il^hke all girls." 
[Opens book. Enter Mrs. Howard.] 

Howard :— " Why, Hofius, I thought your cousin, Mabel, was 
with you. " 

Hofius:—" She was, but \Looking solemn.] she felt so tarnel 
downhearted she went out walkin'. {Enter Nora with duster.) Say, 
Nora, {Laughing.) got any more love letters from vour mother? " 
[Nora acts anqry.] 

Howard : -" Poor Mabel, I know she is far from well. Her father 
and T think it would be pleasant far her to go down in the country 
with you when you go home." 

Hofius: — \Lools surprised.] Who said I was going home? I 
didn't know that I was. If Mabel wants me to I will, but as she 
does not I think I'll stay here a year or two." * 

Nora : — " Ah, yis, I think milkin' the cows and feeding the pigs 
is betther fur the loikes o' ye thin preachin' from that book from 
morning ' till noight. " 

Hofius : — [Surprised.] " Oh ! oh ! you don't say so ! Well, Nora, 
your mother writes a good hand for a dead woman." 

Howard: — "Do you know which way Mabel went? She seems 
so miserable lately I realy feel uneasy." [Exit L.] 

Hofius:—" That woman is enough to set a feller crazy," 

Nora: — " Faith, an' I thought yis was that alridy." 

Hofius : — " May be I am, but I can tell a live letter from a dead 
one." [Exit L.] 

Nora: — " Good riddance to bad rubbish." [Exit.] 



56 aERTRUDE MASON. 

SCENE II. 

Park — Entei Mabel walking slowly — Sits on rustic seat — Looks itp at birds- 
Birds sing. 

Mabel : — " Oh, birdie, you sing as though yon were happy. How 
sweetly you sing, how happy. Sing on ; I, too, was once hapjpy ; 
not a care; my home was as free for me as the great tree is for you. 
(Bird sings.) Sing on, sing on; it brings the memory of my 
mother's loving face and my fathers (M7's. Howard enters and 
conceals herself.) gentle voice. Oh, Papa! if you knew mj heart, 
[ am as iniiocent as the Jittle bird that sings so happily. Oh, Mer- 
ciful Heavens, where is my home? Peace, happiness, love of home 
are strangers to mo. Is it possible this is the happy, lighthearted 
Mabel Hilton? No! no! I cannot beliiwe it! (Harry appears and 
watches Ma.hel unnoticed.) Oh, my Papa, wliy do you drive me 
from your heart? I have none but you! (Clasps hands.) Merci- 
ful Father, sastain me. Thou who hast watched in my happiness, 
give me strength to endure this misery. Lord, in mercy, hear my 
prayer! " 

Harry: — [Approaching her.'] "Mabel, how came you here?" 
[Takes both hands. \ 

Mabel : — " Why, Hariy, I did not think of seeing vou here or 1 
should not have ci^me. Do, do not hold my hands. I did not 
think of seeing you." 

Harry: — " Mabel, are you so sorry to find me here? Have ytm 
been taught to hate me? Is my presence unbearable? " 

Mabel: — " No, no, Harry, but Papa told me I should never speak 
to yoiwagain; I promised him I wouid not; he woidd be augry if he 
knew I was here with you; ytit, he should forgive when he knows 
the meeting was not premeditated." 

Harry: — " He would not blame you, we did not siistiect seeing 
each other. Dear Mabel, I cannot jemnin away frcmi you much 
longer." [Draws h^r toward him.] 

Mabel: — " 'Tis so sweet to be near you, Harry. Such hapjuness 
cannot be wrong, but I told Papa I would not and I cannot stay 
here." 

Harry: — " How long must tin? continue? Promise me, Mabel, 
that in one year, if you are still so unhappy, yon will oome with me. 
let circumstances be what they may." 

Mabel: — "No, I cannot promise that, I am needed at home. 
PaiDa will thiak diiTereutlv some time, then lie will not blame vow." 



GERTRUDE MASON. 57 

Harry : — " Then you refuse to promise me oven thoupch I wait a 
year? Ah, Mabel, I cannot believe you love me. Had I thousands 
at my command, a beautiful home to take you to, I tliink then 
jS^^ou might promise me; but I have not. This, I fear, is why you 
hesitate, " 

Mabel : — " Harry, it is cruel for you to talk to me in this manner, 
it is so far from my thoughts. You are ambitious, truthful, trust- 
ing; you are all I would care lo have yom. Supposing you cannot 
indulge in all the luxuries at present, am I so lost to sense and 
honor that a fev/ paltry dollars would make me care less for you? 
You do not understand me. To do for yourself is to know your- 
self; you are better for it: it helps to bring out all that is noble and 
good. I must remain in my home and you c&n only trust me." 

Harry:—-" I will trust you, Mabel, but I sincerely hope I shall 
not be obliged to wait too long. Is there anvthiug I can do to help 
you?" 

Mabel:—" No, nothing. (Appears frightened.) I must return or 
someone may se« me. Oh, Harry, I do not know when i shall see 
you again. I promised Papa I wiuld not see you or write you. 
Do not look so'downoast, this must end soon some way; things can- 
not go on this way forever." 

Harry: — " I ]i)resumo you musr, go, yet we have beeu hero a very 
short time." 

Mabel: — " Yes, and were we to stay all day it would be a short 
time to us. So, Harry, cheer up, we will soon be haDpv; we can- 
not endnre fio much without some reward in the future. I must go." 

Harry: — " You will be true to me I know, but before you leave 
me Iv^t me put Love's ancient s^al upon the pledge." 

Kisses her — Mabel exits right— Harry watches her until out of sight, then 
dons hat and exits slowlv at left. 



SCENE TIT. 

Path through woods— Enter Hofius at !eft, book in hand, hat on back of head. 

HoFiTTS : — " I can't think where Mab^l can be such a long time. 
I'll bet I'll go along next time. Sometimes I wish I had never come 
here; I should have thought a dnm sigUt more of uncle Jim and not 
half so much of MaV^el. She is sometimes as sweet as pie, tlieu, 
aain, she's a S})unky little rat. I don't suppose slie's anywhere 
singing sweet songs of me." [Exit L.] 



58 GERTRUDE MASON. 

SCENE IV. 
Parlor — Enter Mrs. Howard. 

Howard: — " No, Mabel isn't here yet. i shall mention the fact 
to her father. I will tell him I saw them together. She cannot 
deny meeting him. Ah, my victory is well nigh complet*^. {Enter 
Mabel) Why, Mabel, I was fretting about you ; I feared something 
had happened you. [Mabel throws hat on sofa.] 

Mabel: — " Fretting about me? I presume you fretted for fear 

something would not happen me. I do not care to listen to any 

more of your deceitfulness and I wish to be alone." 

Enter Hilton and Vaughn — Mrs. Howard turns to go, when Hilton addresses 
her — Mabel shakes hands with Vaughn, seems delighted to see him. 

Hilton: — " Mrs. Howard, this is vaj uld friend. Charles Vaughn." 

Howard: — [Turniria Iter head a.s if to conceal Iter face.] I am 
pleased to meet you, sir." 

Vaughn: — " Why, Hester Davidson, I am iudeed .surprised to see 
you here among my friends-." 

Howard: — " You are undoubtedly mistaken, sir, us I do not re- 
member of ever meeting you," * 

Vaughn: — " No, oh no! I am not mistaken, I know you. oh, so 
well. Ha! ha! What new name have you nowV Where is your 
brother-in-law and niece? I know where they are, they ai-e starving 
and you spending their money." 

Howard: -" I tell you, sir, I am not th^t person. J.imes. Mr. 
Hilton. T cannot endure this; such insoleace, such falsehoods! " 
[Puts ha,ndkerchief to face and loeeps' bitterly. \ 

Mabel: — " Mr. Vaughn, are you sure you know her? " 

Vaughn :—" Know her? yes indeed. Mabel, I have known h^r 
for ten years, but I never expected to see her here until I saw hei- 
brother-in-law to-day. She will ruin the household if she remains 
here." . ^ 

Mabel: — " Thank God! Then, perhaps, my father is saved." 

Hilton:. — " Charles Vaughn is mistaken. I know he is, tor this 
lady is not such a woman." 

Howard: — " How T am wronged! (Weeidng.) Is tliere no one to 
defend me? " 

Vaughn: — " No one that knows you would defend you." 

Hilton : — " Charles Vaughn, you have always been my frienil and 
now do not continue to pour out insults on an innocent woman that 
I have sworn to protect." [Mrs. Howard, sobs aloud.] 



GERTRUDE MASON. 59 

Vaughn :— " I am only glad that you are not married as I can 
convince yoa in less than an hour that I am not mistaken. You are 
not the only one that has been deceiyed by her." 

Mabel: — "Then, Mr. Vaughn, for my sake, spare no pains in 
making him see it. Then I can again have a happy home." 

Hilton: — " Silence, Mabel ! You are too willing to believe any- 
thing against her." {Enter Hofiuf^, notices quarrel, goe^ to Mabel 
frightened.] 

Howard:— '' Must I endure this? (To Vaughn.] No matter how 
strong ma}' be the resemblance to som(^ guiity person. I am inno- 
cent of anything wrong, ami dear Mr. Hilton. T must be protected." 
[Sobbing.] 

Hilton:—" I regret to say that you are rather impertinent, and 
farther, sir, that your statements are ridiculons." 

M.\bel: — " Oh, Papa, let hi*n j)roceed. Mr. Vanghn, make him 
know iier as I ktiow her." 

Howard: — " Dear, dear! and your child oelievi-s all! how can T 
endure so much from her whom T love so dearly! " 

HoFius:-— " Yes yon do, just about a^ well as—" 

Hilton :—" We will manage this without any assistance from 
yon, sir." 

HoFirs : — '■ Yes. I suppose you can. but you know I never liked 
that darned woman since she ji^ot (jrertie in that awful scraoe. (aside) 
There, Fve said it anyhow." r.SiAZ:.S'.] 

Vaughn:—" \Yell. James. I will go back to the hotel; when I 
again see yon von raav feel (lifferently. I would n<^t wound your 
feelings, bnt I will not stav near you anl see you deeeived, so good 
dav." 

Hilton: —[Co/r//?/.] Good djty. { E.rit Va.v.gh,i L.) My dear Hes- 
ther. 'lo not feel so l)adlv, I know he is mistaken and he shall never 
trouble me any mor*^ ; this is his last visit in my liome." 

Mabel :^" But. Papa, sh.e <1iil not d.'^my. emj^hatirallv, that her 
name was Davids.. n." fxlfrx. Honmrd. sobs an^w.] 

Hilton: — " Mabel, vour actions hav^ bHen sin£>-ular in connection 
with this affair, vou even rebuked me for savin<>' T would ilefpndher 
from insolen<!e, from stories so untrue." 

Mabel: — "I beg pardon, but sb -> did not show innocence bv' 
standing up and denying the cliarge. or .isldng him to prove it.". 

Hiltox:— " Wiiat! <lo vou msan •"o siv tlia^ vou cr-^dit the in- 
fa,mous s^or^'? Chirl^s Vaughn woul 1 not lie, h' is mistaken in the 



(30 GEBTKUDE MASON. 

person; the statement was ridiculous, extremely ridiculous, and you 
credit it." 

Mabel :— " I said nothing of the kind, I merely stated that she 
expressed an hysterical astonishment but did not flatly contradict 
the assertion." 

HoWAKD :— " Do you imagine, my dear, that I would tell Mr. 
Yaughn he Hed, merely because he had the audacity to throw those 
words in my face ? " 

Mabel : — " I only want her to say yes, or no." 
Hilton :— " Mabel, I cannot, for the life of me, imagine the cause 
of your acting so unnaturally; will you tell me? Perhaps you are 
ill, I never thought of that. Is it so, my child? " 

Mabel :— " No, Papa, I only want her to say yes, or no." 
Hilton:—" Mabel, you are wilful an*d obstinate,'" 
Howard: — [Hoc king and crying hi] aterically .] " I see how it is, 
I see it all. Oh, dear! oh, dear! Mabel thinks I am a li-li-liar! 
(Bilton tries to soothe her. Hofius laughs to himself.) Oh, dear! 
how can she hate me so when I love her so much ! I am sorry I 
came here; don't talk to me, James, I am going to leave yoiir 
house." IPdses.] 

Hilton: — " No, no; you shall do no such thing; take some of this 
wine." \ Gives her wine which she drinks eagerly.] 

Hofius : — [Aside.] " She seems to haye a pretty good mouth for 
that, too." 

Hilton : — " Now you will feel better. " 

HowAED : — " You are so kind, but oh, I cannot stay here. If 
Mabel thinks I am a liar, no, no, I will go. {Hilton catches her arm 
and seats her.) She don't love me, she disbeheves me." 

Hilton : — " Let me get you some more wine, dear Hesther. Re- 
main here until I return." [Exit L. for -wine.] 

ILomim:— [Mrs. How aixl rockinq and crying.] "Say, old wo- 
man, keep right on crying and rocking; if the chair cau stand it 
we can." 

Howard: -" Oh, T will go this very night to the hotel." [Enter 
Hilton.] 

' Hilton: — " No, no; you shall do no such thing. Take this.wino. 
My daughter's unguarded words shall not drive you from me." 

Howard : — " But you will not be- happy if I stay. I could not 
remain if there was one it the house that did not like me. But oh, 



GERTRTTDE MASON. 61 

when I ibmk of leaving yon it tears my very heart strings. Yon 

who have been so kind to me; but I cannot stay, I must go." [rises] 
Hilton :— " You must not, I cannot spare you, you shall remain." 
HowAiiD :— " No, let me go. Oli, dear, oh heavens, I shall go mad : 

to call me Mrs. Davidson! oh, how cruel, how cruel! I will go." 
Hilton : — " You see, Mabel, what you have done, but she shall 

not suffer." [Hilton and Mrs. Howard exit L.\ 

HoFiTis : — " I guess the old man will git his eye peeled by th© 
time Mr. Vaughn gets here." 

Mabel : — " How can Papa be so blinded. She had a terrible 
spell; (Laughs.) that; was a regular old tanirum vvasu't it, Coz.? 
I do really balieve that Papa is going to find her out; oh, how I hope 
he is." [Both exit.] 

' SCENE V. 
Path, name as in Scene III — Harry enters slowly. 

Harhy : — " The old family grove. We are often superstitious; I 
fancied that if I came here just at this particular moment I might 
seeonelkuew; that I might see Mabel. I felt so confident she 
would be here. It seoms so long since I saw her face; I fear some- 
thin"' is wrong. I may as well return, I shall not see her; i^). no." 
[Siglis and returns. Enter Mabel slowly.] 

Mabel: — '' No, no one here! How h)nely it looks. I thought 
some one would happen here if I came now; no one here; I am 
dissapointed. But I may have been too late. Last night, in my 
dreams, I saw my mother. This was once as sacied a day for my 
father as it now is for me. Every year since my mother's death 
my father and I have always held this day and nigbt in memory by 
talking of her and singing her favorite songs; but wha:. will he do to- 
night? He treats me so cruely of late I fear to go to his hbrary ;if he 
is*\here I shall begin to think he still loves me. Perhaps he is 
somewhat surprised at Mr. Vaughn's words. Oh, if he can ever 
know, then I will be happy again. {Grows dark.) But my mother 
said:' Go to your father and I will be there.' Yes, i wi.l go, it is 
oetting late and oh ! a storm is arising! If it should storm as it did 
The night my mother died, and Papa not let me go to his room, oh, 
that w^uld he more than I conld bear. O! what a .storm! how I 
dread to start! " [Exit L.] 



62 GERTRUDE MASON. 

SCENE VI. 
Library— Dark night— Small light— Wind gradually raising. 

Hilton: —[Entei'S.l " I wonder if Mabel has }:>eeii here and J|ot 
seeing me, gone. No, no ; she has forgotten this night, or she may 
be afraid to come to me. (Goes to window.) What a dark night, 
and it grows darker, (Thunders.) What thunder! oh, what a terri- 
ble night. I alone; how mj solitude oppresses me. Five years ago 
to-night, Martha, my wife, died and left me alone with little Mabel; 
just such a dark, stormy night. Mabel and I have ever held this 
sacred; but Mabel is not the same child she was a year ago; (Light- 
ning.) but oh, how I wish she would come. There are times when 
it is terrible to be alone and old. At any other time I could seek 
the society of Mrs. Howard and be happy; but not ti-night. This 
night belongs to Martha, Mabel and myself. (Lk/htnings.) How 
the blue lightning skims along the surface and seems to set all on 
fire. Yes, I feel lonely, riot because of any vain hunger for past 
enjoyment never to be known again; but the memories. There is 
no place in the universe where one can go to banish from within 
the eyelids, the dear dead faces, or from the heart that tlirobs no 
longer any passions of its own. (Thunders.) ' Tis terriblt; to be 
alon^-; I shall send for Mabel, (knock at door.) Can it be Mabel? 
none other can enter here. (Sitting. Calls.) Mabel!" 

Ma^el: — " Yes, Papa." [Hilton opens door, kisses Iter on eii- 
tering.] 
Hilton: — " Ah, my child. I fe.ired you had forgotten." 

Mabel : — [Sits on stool at Jtis feet. Both sit.] " Forgotten, Fnpa. ! 
I could not forget, but I feared you had." 

Hilton : — " Come what may, this night shall ever be held *sacred 
to the memory of your mother. I had sucli a dream last night; it 
seemed it was for the purpose of reminding me of to-night; but 
God knows I would not forget it." 

Mabel : — " Papa, I, too, had a dream; 'twas so strange and yet so 
real; had it not been for that dream I should never ventured in here 
to-night. (Thunders.) May I tell it to you? " 

Hilton: — " Yes, go on, dear." 

Mabel : — " When I was nearly asleep I had the feeling of one 
floating, then I became still and Mamma came to me; so beautiful, 
oh, so beautiful, Papa. She said : " Dear Mabel, go to your Papa's 
room to-morrow night; he will let you in; be kind to him, he loves 
you." Then I asked: "Mamma, are you sure Papa loves me?" 
and her face seemed to light up so beautiJuUy as sl)« answered: 



GERTRUDE MASON. 63 

" Loves you? ah, child, since my death he has known no other love 
but yonrs. There may ]:>e a strange fancy, a scraugd something you 
ca,nnot fathom, but chat, Mabel, will soon be over." She looked so 
beautiful, so sad and said : " You shall not sniffer long for I am 
watching over you both." I could feel the kisses, the same sweet 
kisses, the loving caresses I have learned to live without. Then 
Hhe asked me to sing the Httle song I used to sing, and, Papa, it 
seemed as though I, too, was an angel for the moment. I com- 
menced to sing and such sti-.tuge, sweet music accompanied me; I 
felt that I could sing forever there. ' Twas a beautiful sight to see; 
she so h)vely, telling me to be kind to you, and that some day, and 
soon, too, all difficulties would be removed. Are von listening. 
Papa? " 

Hilton: — " Yes. yes; go on, dear. I sometimes leel tliat the 
spirits of our loved ones <]o return." 

Mabel: — " She implored me to tell you that a great revelation is 
soon to oome to you and that you must accept it. She kissed me 
again and again, then pa.ssed away, (Thimder,^ atid skowprs.) Oil, 
what a terrible night! how the rain splaslies against the pane, and 
the blue lightning skims o'er the surface; 'tis h terri))le jijght! But 
I feel weary and must retire." 

Hilton: — " Yes, 'tis late anJ you are weary, liut can yon not sing 
tlie song for me as yon did for your raoth^^r? " 

Mabel: — "Oh. I am not too weary to sing if yon wish me to. 
{ Taken up gtiltiw and .^ih.gs. SntK/ ended, .sp/x It doirn.) Good 
night, Papa,; (Klnsei^ kim.) good night." 

Hilton:—" Good night, darlina-, good night." 

I']xit Mabel, lefb — Hilton remains sometime as if in thought, then PJxits left. 

SCENE YIT. 
Parlor as as in Scene IV — Mrs. Howard seated in rocking chair. 

Howard: — " To-morrow ends all trouble, for James Hilton and I 
shall then be (me. Ah, if Miss Mabel knew what the mc^Tow will 
brino- forth she would not be so happy to-day. James Hilton would 
condemn all for me; his daughter, his friends, idl for me. Should 
Charles Vanghn ever convince him of the truth it will he when we 
are married, and then he cannot get awav. H(nv T long for the 
morrow; happv as T try to be, I feel that there is a dark cloud 
hovering o'er me. Ah, should the truth come out where would I 
be? Hest<n- Davidsoi,. indee(t! Again fiiendles-; and alone. But! 



64 GERTRUDE MASON. 

must not harbor sucli thoughts. {Hears footsteps.) Someone is 
coming; I hope it is James." [Enter Hofius.l 

HoFius: — [Boiving.] " Ah! oh! 'tis you, Mrs. Davidson, Howard, 
I mean. I thought you had gone back on the Hilton mansion the 
way you dug out of here last night, but it seems that you and the 
old rocking-chair are here again. Yes; oh, L was sure you had 
skipjaed." 

Howard : — " I intended going but your uncle would not listen t© 
it. You may be surprised when you ascertain who is to go. I am 
more at home here than you imagine." [Enter Mabel with hat and 
wraps. Fostman rings.'] 

Mabel: — " Come, Coz., let's go to the landing; there's going to 
be a boat race." [Enter Hilton with paper,] 

Nora: — [Entering Avith letter.] "A letther for Miss Mabel." 
[Mabel reads address.] 

Mab^il: — "' Mr. James Hilton or Miss Mabel.' {Hilton llsteJis. 
Mabel opens letter.) " Mr. Hilton and daughter come immediately 
to 384 Rush St., up two flights of stairs, and you will learn some- 
thing to your advantage both soci:illy and financially, {Exit Hotvard) 

Do not dela^-, come immediately. Your Friend, " 

I cannot read theinitials. What do you think of it, shall we go? " 

Hilton: — " Something to our Sidysiutnge fina7i( dally \ certainly 
we will go. I will tell Mrs. Howard that I am called away, and see 
that she wants for nothing. Put on your wraps. {Retires a ahort 
time, then returns ivitli haV cane, etc.) Hofius, shook! Hesther^ 
need any assistance that Nora cannot render, you see to it. She is 
far from being well, and I cannot find her." 

Hofius : — [As^de^^ " Yes, I'd like to ' tend to her once, sometime, 
for instance, when she gets them cantankerous bighpoles." 

Mabel: — " So would I. {Laughs. Hilton exit L. Mabel follows.) 
Good bye, Coz." [Throios kiss.] 

Hofius:—" Darn that girl, she threw that kiss just as careless as 
could be, and I felt it clean to my toes quicker'n lightning. Psbaw! 
what should I care for her. There's Sue Wright, bless her little 
heart, I spose if I went home I'd have to marry her. I don't care 
to marry just now, I want to flirt around awJiile longer. But I 
spose I'd have to marry her if I went home or hear somethiBig 
about that blasted old cow or pig, and by thunder I wont pay no 
twenty-five dollars to none of the widder Wrightsesses." [Enter 
Nora.] 



GERTRUDE MASON. 65 

Nora :— " Mr. Haskins, will yon please, sir, if you please, go into 
the room and help Mrs. Howard? she's nearly wild wid toain." [Exit 
right.] ■" *- 

HoFius :--" Yon bet I'll help. Now for some fun." [Exit R.] 
^ SCENE VIII. 

Harold's rooiu— Harold on lounge— Minnie on Vaughn's lap, 

Harold: — "Do you believe they will come? I am growing 
worse." [Minnie goes to Idm.] 

Vaughn : — " Yes, I am sure he will ; if he does not soon come I 
will go and bring him." [K)iOck at door, VauqUn opens. Enter 
Mabel and Hilton.] 

Hilton :—[Sur2)rised.] '• You here, Charl'is? is it you who wanted 
me?" 

Vaughn: — " Yes; a little longer and you would have been too 
late. I have known this man, who lies dying here, for the last three 
years. I have not seen him, did not know his whereabouts until 
I saw his little daughter on the street yesterday. Now, Harold, tell 
him what you have to say." 

Harold : — " I feel very weak, fn-ing me some wine. (Minnie goes 
for wine.) I was once surrounded witli every luxur}'; a kind and 
loving wife, (Minnie gives wine.) everything to make me happy. 
Diiriug my days of i3lenty my wife's sister siiared our iiom«3. When 
Elsie, my wife, died, and my eyesight failed me, I became helpless; 
one tnisfortune followed another until — until my little Minnie ha,s 
led her father around a blind, blind beggar. (He lays back on pil- 
lom, Minnie caressing lam.) There was a terrible crime committed 
sometime ago and an enemy threw it upon me; every chance was 
against me, all believed me guilty, so I fled for my life as I knew 
my liitle daughter needed me. I know I am blind, but I am her 
fcither. This sister knew the whole, circumstance; knew I was in- 
nocent, but she kept the money, telling me that if I made any 
attempt to recover what belonged to me she would advise them of 
my whereabouts; she has threatenf^d me maay times. Mv wife was 
a lovely woman, but her sister has been more cruel tlian I ever 
dreamed a human being could be. She lias laughed at our crie.s for 
food. More wine, Minnie, Laughed at our huu'^er. but she can- 
not laugh long; no, no, ]\Iinnio will have a hom«> wlieu I am gone; 
Mr. Vaughn wtll give her a home." 

MiNNTE- — " Oh, Pa]);i, I am going with you." 



66 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Harold :— " Now, Mr. Hilton, tkis sister-in-law has been the orig- 
inator of many disturbances in families; her name is Hesther 
Davidson, she goes by the name of Howard. Get her out of your 
house or you will rue it.'" 

Hilton: — " What, sir! yon do not mean to say that this woman, 
this wioked woman you speak of, is my hoasek^jer? " 

Harold : — " Yes, the same, the very same." 

Hilton: — " You do not know what you say; you are led into this 
by her enemy, Charles Vaughn." 

Harold : — " Minnie, show him the picture of your aunt Hesther 
and her last husband. I have been to your house for food tmd she 
would have turned me away huugTv had it not been for your daugh- 
ter; perhaps she remembers when Minnie fainted at the door, and 
Hesther called us beggars." 

Mabel: — "Yes, indeed, I do." [Minnie shoivs 2/iomre.] 

Hilton: — "Oh, heaven! can this })e true? This is her face. 
Can it; be that I have been so blind to all? " 

Hxnoj^T): —[Rising ^^cif^tially.] " I feel weaker; I am going fast. 
I could not die without your knowing thi^. 'Tis true and may 
God help all who depend on her mercy. Oh, Minnie! " 

Hilton : — " Can it be true ? " [Minnie iveeps.] 

Harold : — " Oh. Minnie, do not grieve, you will have a home and 
I will no longer be in your way. " 

Minnie : — " Oh, Papa, let me go with you, I can't stay here alone." 

Mabel: — " Papa, I want Minnie with us; she would not ho so 
lonely, and I have no one with me. Don't you want her to? " 

Hilton: — " Certainly I do if her father and Mr. Yaughn will 
consent. Minnie shall never be troubled by the housekeep<'r, as 
one so wicked as she cannot find shelter in my home." 

Harold : — " Then take her, I know jou will be kind to her. You 
will be happy, darling, in your new home, (Soft music.) and I s'hali 
be happy in mine. Oh, heaven, so, so beautiful! " 

Minnie: -" Oh, Papa, I want to go with, I must go with you, I 
cannot stay here with no Papa to kiss me, no Papa to love me." 

Harold: — " Minnie, my child, don't cry so, they will love yon, 
they will care for you, and you will no longer be a little beggar, 
never again be hungry." 

Minnie: — "Yes, I know I have been hungry sometimes, but I 
was always happy with you, you loved me. Oh, Papa, no one will 
ever ItJve me as vou do; do not die and leave me." 



GERTRUDE MASON. 67 

Mabel: — " Do not fear, Minnie, we will love and cire for you." 

Harold : — " Yes, I know you will care for her, God bless you for 
it. ' Tis good that I can die, then Minnie will no longer suffer. In 
heaven your mother awaits me." 

Minnie: — " Oli, Papa, let me go with you ;o .Mamma, she loves 
me; d(m't leave me, take me with voii to Mamma. Oh, how pale 
yon are, shall I get some wine? Papa, wliy don't you answer me? 
(To Vaughn^ Why don't Papa talk to me, is lie asleep." 

Vaughn: — " Dear chihl, your father is dying." 

Minnie: — " Oh, no, no; wait a little longer. Oh, dear Papa, you 
must not die, yon must not die." / 

Vaughn : — \P'lnc)ua hand on IlarolcVs head.] " Yes, he is dead." 

Minnie: — " Dead? my Pap i d^Mid? He is not dead, he is blind, 
that is why his eyes are shut. No, Papa cannot die. {Takt^ hand.) 
Oh, Papa, your hands are so cold, so cold ! {Kisses 1dm.) i^mr face 
is so cold! Can't you talk, Papa? can't you talk to me? He does 
not smile on his little Minnie. Don't you know my kisses? Won't 
he ever kiss me again, never kiss me? Papa, darling, are you dead? 
dead? Yes; I know 1n> Is dead ! " [Falh ac7'os^ tier fat]ier\s body 
— Tableau — Table'iu lights -Ana el decetuh.] 



cuirrAis. 



68 GERTRUDE MASON. 



. ACT IV. SCENE I. 

Parlor — Hilton reading: — Hofius studying and making gestures — Minnie sitting 
on stool near Mabel, learning crocheting. 

Mabel : — " Here, Minnie ; cross the stitches and then kuit back 
three." 

Hilton: — "What are you learning, Minnie? making a hshmg 
net? " 

Minnie: — " No, sir. Who ever heard of making a ti.^h net with a 
crochet needle? I am making a tidy for your easy chair in the 
library. " 

Mabel: — " Minnie, have you seen Gertie? I wonder if she has 
given up her ride? I thought she went to dress a long time'ago." 

Honus : — "Say, Uncle Jim., did you ever see that horse that 
Gertie rides? Why, that Dexter is the firiest horse in the 
whole city! but she won't have any other, and she'll break her 
neck some day, just you see if she don't. But then, sh6 huint no 
more like herself than a dove is like a catamount. If she had stayed 
another year at that school she'd had to have an introduction to 
herself," [Enter Gertie vn riding -habit, whip in Jiand.~\ 

Gertie: — " Hofius, is Dexter ready? " 

HoFius : — " I dun no, but I can go and see. I should think you'd 
be scared to death riding that horse; he'll kill you yet.'" 

Gertie: — [Laughing.'] "No, Hofius, Dexter knows me. {Exit 
Hofius.) Mabel, put on your gloves and come with me. Uncle, 
do you not think she ought to accompany me? I dislike to go 
alone, and shall race if she does not." 

Hilton: — "Certainly, Mabel, you should. Your pony needs ex- 
ercise." 

Mabel : — " I cannot, Papa, as Ernest Vaughn is at the hotel and 
I expect him any moment. [Gertie seems agitated.] 

Gertie: — "Ernest Vaughn! Ernest here in the city again, is 
he? Perhaps I maj see him; but he, I presume, would scarcely 
recognize me; I do not look so young as I did. (Aside.) Ah, Mabel, 
my time is coming; Ernest Vaughn shall know me. (Looks out of 
ivindow.) Here is Dexter, now. (E-nter Hofius.) Au rovoir! '' [Waves 



G-ERTRT'DE MASON. 69 

hand, exit L. folio ived hy Hltton.] 
Minnie :— " Is she not beautiful? " 
Mabel:—" Yes, indeed." 

HoFius:--" Isn't she crazy, I should say; crazy as a bed bug. 
What does ail Gert?ude, any way ? Why, Mabel do you know I am 
perfectly shamed to think I ever loved that ^irl as I did? I guess 
if we knew the whole truth of the matter she didn't go to any 
school down the river, but jined a circus. Lord! she haint afeered 
o' nothin', so she haint. Why, she can beat anybody I ever see 
rids. {Minnie exit L.) I haven't saw anything to match lier." 

Mabel: — "This is all very funny for you. So you loved fiei' did 
you? and Sue Wright and I, too. Ah, Coz., you are a little too 
fickle." 

HoFius: — " Sposin' I ditl love you, what good did it do me? 
Don't you spose I know that Harry Hanford is your sweetness? 
Course you think I am as gi-een as a summer squnsh, but, Mabel, 
you won't think I am so green and so lickle when I tell you that I 
am going to stick to Sue Wright. Mrs. Howard haint here to tell 
me to go home, but I can go, just the same. I had a great long, 
long letter from Sue, last night. Just chuck full o' sweet things, 
briming over Avith sweet words. Sue has gone into the milliner 
business, sold her share in the farm. Yes, she is going to ti'im hats 
and bonnets for all Squash Ho'Uer. Her shop is right down town 
where you can see everybody. They vvant me to go home and thev 
will have a shin-dig for me; got up a big dance, they say. It haint 
any polite party or hop, as you call 'em. I am going to play the 
fiddle myself. I begin to hanker arter a gotKl, old fashiond break- 
down. j)ai'n it, Mabel, yon ought to go to one real good dance; a 
dance where the folks git up and crack the tune down. We didn't 
liappen to have any when you wt re down there." \E)ii&r XorairitJi 
card to Mabel. lieads.\ 

Mabel: — " Eriiest Vaughn. ShoAv him in, Nora. Xow, Hofius, 
I do not want you to mention Gertie's name in any way, no matter 
what is said; I do not want him to know she is here, unless he may 
ask. (Enter Ernest. Mabel rises.) TNfr. ^'aughn, I am indeed 
pleased to see you." I *S/<rt W' lta)iil.'<.\ 

Ernest: — "" Thanks; I owe one summer's liappmess to this heme." 

Mabel: — " Mr. Yauglm, this is my cousin, Mr. Haskins. perhaps 
vou liave forgotten him." {Sliake hn'nds.\ 

HoFitTs : — " You left here tliat suiimier a few days after I got here, 
l)ut I remember you well, and if T didn't I'd feel nreity well ac- 
quaintt'il, hearing the girls lalk of roii so much." [Mabel .vrojr/.v.j 



70 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Ernest:--" My natural curiosity leads me to enquire who these 
young ladies may be? " 

B-OFiJis:— [Aside.] "I've stepped in it! [Turns head gently.] 
Why, you see, Mrs. Howard, what used to do the house-keepin' 
here, she turned out to be a fraud and Uucle Jim just naturally 
shipped her. And he took a little girl to raise, to do by lier as they 
would by their own child. I didn't Jiear them say much about you, 
only that you were m town; Mabel was telling her, you know. 
[Aside.] I'm ont of that." 

Ernest :■ — " I saw a young lady riding a horse that looked very 
much like Dexter; she rode beautifully and managed her horse per- 
fectly; none but an experienced equestrian could do so well." 

EoFius :— " I know who it is, don't yon, Mabel? " [Mabel scoivlsj 

Ernest: — "Is it a lady of my acquaintance? her countenance 
looked familiar." 

HoFius : — " No, no; we don't know for sure, but I thought if I 
could have saw her I might have told, for we know most everybody 
'round these diggens." [Enter Gertie L., does not notice Ernest. 
Talrs off gloves.] 

Gertie: — " Dear Mabel, I have enjoyed myself so much; Dexter 
was full of Hfe to-day. {Observes Ernest.) Ah! excase me! I was 
not aware of strangers." [Bows loiv.], 

Mabel : — " Mr. Vaughn, mv cousin, Gertie; do you not remember 
her?" 

Ernest: — " Yes, indeed, I remember her. I scarcely dared hope 
for the pleasure of meeting you again. I do not think I should 
have known you had we met in another place. " 

Gertie: — " Indeed! have I changed so much? I had not forgot- 
ten your face, but perliaps my memory is better than others." 

Ernest : — " One can change very much in three years, Miss Ma- 
son, but I remember the pleasant summer I passed here; that re- 
quires no great taxation of the m^nnory.'" 

Gertie:^" I assure you I have not forgotten. {To Mabel.) I 
must tease you a little, Mabel. Harrv was at the corners with his 
pony, and we raced to the lauding; on onr arrival we fouud a num- 
ber of young people boating. W e had several races ; the river was 
beautiful; every one of us became perfectly desperate m our anxiety 
to excel." [Enter Harry.] 

Harry : — " Excuse me for entering so uncerimoniously, but Nora 
informed me there were no strangers present. Mabel, why di<l you 



GERTRUDE MASON. 71 

remain at homo? I tried to persuade Ernest to go but he refused 
me point blanc. Ah, Gertie, they are the loosers. Gertie, the 
prize was awarded to you, saving you had no equal in rowing." 
Gertie:—" Thanks; it was a groat pleasure to me." 

Harry:--" Ernest, come with me to the office, the ladies will 
weary of you if you remain too long. I want you the rest of the 
day, beside, 1 must make arrangements for the party." 

Ernest: -[Pdslng.] "I do not imagine the young ladies will 
mourn my absence to any great extent as I have been uncommonly 
stupid. Yes, I will go anywhere, anywhere out in the world. (To 
Gertie.) I presume we will meet again at the party? " [Gerile bows 
assent. Exit Ernest and Harrtj L., Gertie R. Harrij whispers to 
Mabel.'] 

HoFius:— [..4n(7?^i/{/.] "That looks like manners to whisper in 
company, dou't it? These ciiy folks think they are jnst old man- 
ners itself; i)ut if I had whispered in company my dad would have 
threshed me quickern you could say Jack Robinson. [Mabel laughs) 
Why don't he say a dance; that's just what it is. I don't want to 
go, but it's nothing more or less than a danjO;"* 

Mabel: — " Why are you so cross. Hofius? " 

HoFius : — " Nothin' in particular. They didn't say a word about 
my going to tiie dance, did they? 1 haiiit a going either; I don't 
Avant to go, l)ut if I did go I would put on my good clothes; I've 
got 'em and you know it. I'd go and set in the coiMier and laugh at 
'em. Such dancing! (Takes coat tail in eacli hand and imitates 
modern icaltzmg.) That's all there is of it." 

Mabel: — \Lauqhing.\ " Why, Cousin, no one ever looked so bad 
.•isthat." 

Hofius : --"Yes. they do, but you wont own it. You slide 'round 
the same way." 

Mabel: — " Hofius, how cross and hateful you are. Itlioughtyou 
were getting real good, but I declare, yon are meanev than ever." 

Hofius; — " To tell the truth, Miss Hilton, I think I have stayed 
here about long enough, don't think I am needed since Gertie came 
)),ick, and Htirry Hanford is snoopin' around here more than half 
the time; then, next comes that lazy, shiftless, sneaking Vauglm." 

• 

Mabel: — "How mean you talk. 1 know \t)u have been very 
kind to me, I do not know what I shonld have done in the last 
three yaars ha.l it not been for you." 

Hofius:—" That'« it exactly. Raint I stuck by you like a tick. 



(iERTRUDE MASON. 



through thick aiid thin? if I haiut, Hofius Thaddeus Haskins dou't 
know what the word means, but then I am going down where Sue is; 
we'll have a dance down there that is a dance, and I'll fiddle, too. 
I am going to pack up my satchel and dig right out. Teh Gertie 
good bye for me. (Walks to and fro, ivatching the effect of his 
leaving on Uabel) I'll gather up my elocntien books and skip. 
May be I'll give a reading when down there, tliey don't hear fine 
readers every day." 

Mabel : — " Well, Cousin, if you really mean to go I can only say 
I am sorry, and you must come back when you can. Give Sue my 
love and tell her I hope you and she may he happy." 

HoFTUS :— " You do? well, so do I; but I've seen girls that I hked 
just as well as I do her, and they haiut very far from me this minnit, 
neither; I could reach one of them; but Sue is good enougli, I spose, 
1 shall go right home, and marry )ior, too; so good bye, Mabel." 
\ Shakes hand, puts a,rm around and- kisses her while using 
handkerchief] 

Mabel : — " Hof ., don't feel so bad ; I shall go down and see you 
when .you are marriet,! and happy." |_ Both exit L. j 

]S[oRA : — [Entering.] " Now, sure, what good thing conips nixt? 
T niver see the loikes of that feller, an' he's gone. Ah, Nora 
McCarty, ye feel relaved. (Dusting.) twinty toimes lias lie scart 
the brith from me body; but he is a little the resimbliiice of me 
own poor Tim, somethin' loike a singed cat, better'n he looks. Tim 
niver see the crazy spells loike him. Yis, lie's gone, and good rid- 
dance. Now I'll read me letther agin. {Takes letter frotn pocket. 
Thinking.) 'Pon me soul, I forgit tlie coniminceinint! Mabel wms 
crazy a gitin' on her foine fixins for the ])arty, an' she read it to6 
fast. Let me see. Ah, yis, T have it now. (B.eads.) 'Me darlint 
Nora, darlint Nora.' That's Tim. 'Nora, darlint, I mqy niver be- 
hold those beautiful eyes any more, and thin, agin, I may. I am 
goin' to beautiful America.' He will have to stop that drinkin' if 
he comes here. [Raises voice.) ' Darlint Nora,' " [Enter Ho fius for 
book. Nora tries to conceal letter. FriglUened.] 

HoFius:--''I forgot my book, Nora. {Gets book.) Got another 
letter from your mithev, Nora darlint? " 

Nora: — ''No, "sir; there's no letther here; an' it's none o' ver 
business, if ye plaze, sir, if I have." 

HoFius; — " Your mother must have been a gi-eat writer to stick 
to vou so long after she is dead. But then, John Brown kept 
marching on years after he was dead. Good l)ye, Nora." {She 
tttrns Iter back and lie yells good bye last. 'Nora frightened. 
Esit L.\ 



GERTRUDE MASON. 73 

Nora:—" Farewell, and may ye niver comeback." [Enter Hilton] 

Hilton:—" Where is Minnie? I thonglit I heard her in here. 

Perhaps she is bidding Hof. good bye. Well, I am glad he has 

gone, his presence has not always been entirely agreeable." [Exit 

Nvra. Enter Minnie.] 

Minnie-—" Here I am, Uncle. {Climbs into Hilton's lap, shows 
ilowers.) Look at these flowers, are they not pretty? They were 
sont to Mabel and Gertie for the party. How fragrant ! " 
Hilton : — " Yes they are beautiful. Where are the girls? " - 
Minnie :— " Dressing fur the party. AVhen I get to be a young 
lady can I go to the parties with them? " 

Hilton: — " Certainly, my dear; but I am glad you are young, as 
I now have your company at home." 

Minnie: — " Perhaps I ought to take these flowers to them." 

Hilton: — " No, sit still; they will come for theui when needed. 
I did not know you were so fond of flowers." 

Minnie : — " I am very fond of flowers, let me jDut these on the 
table. {Pats them on table.) When I was a little mite of a girl and 
lived at my Papa's home, Mamma had such beautiful flowere. Oh, 
Uncle! you never saw my Mamma; she was so good, so prftty and 
she loved me so." [*Sot».S'.] 

Hilton : — " I know your Mamma must have loved you ; Mabel 
and I love you, we could not live without you, Minnie." [Minnie's 
arms encircle Jtis neck.] 

Minnie: — " I am so glad: I think so much of you all; but some- 
times I dream of Mamma and Papa; they looked so natural, .so sweet 
to me. I'll never see them ' til I die, will I, Uncle? " [Sobs.] 

Hilton:— "No, darling. I have often wondered, Minnie, why 
you call me Uncle; your father gave you to me and you are my 
daughter. " 

Minnie: — " I will tell you: Pupa's brother, who visited us when 
we were at home, was so nice and good that you made me tliink of 
him. He died the same summer Mamma did. I call you Uncle be- 
cause you are so good to me. I cannot call you Papa. [Sobs.) I 
remember m^' dear Papa so well, he suffered so much for me; I love 
yon. Uncle, but I cannot call you Papa." 

Hilton: — " T would not ask it if yon did not prefer it." 

Minnie: — "Don't \ou remember, Uncle, when he said he was 
glad to die, that he would no longer be in my way, and that I could 
"have a good home? (Soh,^ and cries.) I cannot forget his face, so 



74 GERTRUDE MASON. 

sweet and pale as be lay there dying, {Crijing.) going home to 
Mamma. No, no; I can never call another Papa." 

Hilton : — " Hush, darling; I would not have my little girl do any- 
thing that would be painful to her." 

Minnie : — " You never saw my Papa wlien he was well tind strong; 
he was a grand looking man. No, you never saw he and Mamma; 
they dressed so prettily; we had such a nice home, beautiful 
flowers, pretty birds ; I had little dolls and play houses, and Mam- 
ma would sing to me ; everybody loved Papa and Mamma, every 
body. I wish you could hear them sing. Mamma used to sing me 
songs about the angels ; I wish I could have gone with them and 
been an angel, too. But I couldn't die, we can't die when we want 
to, can we. Uncle? " 

Hilton: — " Why, Minnie, had you gone with your Papa I would 
have been alone. Mabel loves me, but she is no longer a little girl 
like you. I am glad you are here to be my little angel ; to sit on 
my lap and kiss me." [Enter Gertie K] 

Gertie: — " Oh, Uncle, what would we do witliout Minnie? what 
would you do without her? How often I wish myself a little girl, 
too; so happy, no cares, light hearted and free. Oh, what would I 
give to blot out all and place myself back to childliood. I feel that 
this life is scarcely worth living for; so many regrets! this life is 
full of regrets; it is wrong to say it, I suppose, yet we (cannot 
always remain silent and suffer." 

Minnie : — " Cousin Gertie, T feel just as bad as you do, sometimes. 
If I were a young lady and could go to parties and dress like yon 
and Mabel, look as you do when dressed for parties, and he so 
beautiful, 1 would be happv always. (Caressing Hilton.) Bnt 
Uncle is so kind to me I must not say such things; I love to be 
with him and sit on his lap." 

Gertie : — " Ah. Minnie, parties, dress and dancing are only out- 
side show; no genuine happiness comes from society. But you are 
too young to talk of sorrows." [Minyrie gets down and gets floivers 
for Gertie.'] 

Minnie: — "Here are tlie flowers, arn't they pretty? they will 
look j)retty with that lovely dress. You are beautiful, Gertie." 
[Xisses her.] 

Gertie: — " Thank you. Darling." [Minnie exit L.] 

Hilton: — "I agree with Minme; you certaiidy look charming, 
Gertie." 



GERTRUDE MASON. 75 

Gertie :— " Thank yon, Uncle ; I acknowledge feeling flattered 
when yon compliment me." 

Hilton : — " So yow think your Uncle's judgment worth some- 
thing, do you? well now I feel flattered. I was afraid you would 
never forgive the past, tliat you would never consent to live again 
in my liome; I am glad you can overlook it. I was hadlv deceived, 
Gertie." 

Gertie: — "Uncle, I never blamed you entirely. I knew you 
were being deceived ; I, too, have been deceived ; how I have suffered 
God alone Iniows, yet I am thankful that I can remember the time 
when my heart was as light as June's brightest day, or the bee, the 
bird, the butterfly when on their lightest wing; but ah, those sunny 
days ! the clouds liave passed over them, and I have suffered, I have 
been wronged shamefully. I have prayed that something might 
come to take me from this w'orld, from so much false show; but 1 
lived on until now I am hardened. I love you and Mabel dearly as 
ever, but other people, other things no longer ei¥ect me. I am 
truly thankful." [Enter Mabd dreHneil for %)C[rty .] 

Mabel: — " Gertie, we are late, I fear. What pretty flowers! We 
must put on our wraps." \Exit Mabel and Gertie L.] 

Hilton :— " Why, where is Minnie? I did not miss lier until now." 
[Exit, takiiifi paper. \ 



SCENE II. MoonUqlit^Path. 

LocENo:— [CVeeping throua'h..\ '* Ah, these old woods look natur- 
al • this path and the little grove beyond. How many times I have 
sano- my songs here with Gertie., What if they should see me 
and\now me ! No, they shall not. How happy I might have been ! 
Oh Gertrude Mason, I liope you will know what it is to love and 
loose that love. Havo I deserved so much? 1 would have been 
kind to Gertie. Mabel Hilton, curse you! vou, too, shall suff"er. 
Your lover is a jealous one. What can I do? Harry Hauford, Ma- 
bel, Gertie and" all; I must have revenge! Tlnsjite of mine is 
worth httle T will see Harry Hanford this night. [Exit E.J 



76 GERTKUDE MASON. 



8CENE III. 



House in the distance — Lawn — Rustic seats — Moonlight — Music and dancing 
heard — Ernest and Gertie come down arm in arm. 

Ernest : — " Miss Qertie, that waltz was charming. You seem to 
enjoy dancing more than in olden times, or when I first knew you." 

Gertie : — " Yes, my tastes are somewhat different. Perhaps you 
may remember telling 7iie that we change wonderfully ni ideas as 
we grow older. I have not realized the change only as I compare 
my thouglits of eighteen with those of twenty-three ; how different 
I am; how different I feel. I have often wished to be back to the 
unsophisticated age, when I believed in everything and everybody." 

Ernest; --" Ah, Miss Mason, do you mean what you say? You 
certainly cannot be indifferent to all the admiration that is bestowed 
upon you. I valued your society when I first knew you, but now I 
return to find you even more charming. My dear Gertie, you can- 
not term this flattery; you certainly must feel your wortii; all soci- 
ety is ready to drop on bended knee to you." 

Gertie : — " You must remember that my wealth makes admirers ; 
say it is, Ernest, as it is so uninteresting to talk of one's self. (Looks 
at left frightened.] Ernest, who is that crawling through the trees? 
can you see ? " \ Pointing to left.] 

Ernest: — " I can see but not very distinctly'. "• 

Gertie: — " If I thought it could be I would say it was Loceno 
Diuppa, it looks so like liim. {SJtudder^.) Oli, I shuddei- to think 
of him! ' Tis very foolish to mention him as it cannot be. (Harry 
approaches.) There is Harry, this is his waltz. " 

Harry: — " This is my waltz, Gertie, and others are looking for 
you. Ernest should not be too selfish." 

Gertie: — " Are you not going to return with us? " {Go toivard 
house. Ernest remains.] 

Ernest: —" No, thanks; I enjoy tlie moonlight, but will be there 
in time for my dance. I assure you. {E.r,lt Harry and Mabel,) 1 do 
not doubt there being several waiting for her. Why did I not 
seize the prize three years ago, when I could? I loved her well 
enough then; i knew she idolized mo. A man sonietiine, sooner or 
or later, suffers when he casts aside a loving heart; misery is bound 
to come to him sometime. ' Twas crutd to treat her so; she who 
was so worthy, so loving, would have died to save me. I was 
thoughtless, I did not realize what I was doing. She ])refers my. 
society to others, but I fear she is too high-spiritcid to forget and 



GERTRUDE MASON. 77 

come to me now. She was lovely at twenty bat oh, how gloriously 
beautiful, at twenty-three. Never before have I felt inferior when 
in a lady's society ; I have always felt tlie assurance that I had only 
to woo and I could win; but now with her it seems improbable. 
(Rises to qo.) Happy when near her, miserable when away. {Ernest 
meets Harry, Mabel and Gei^'ie.) I was going to claim the number 
on my program; I see you are getting sellish, too." 

Harry: — " No, I am not; you can have them both." 

Mabel :— " Shall I return with them, Harry? " 

Harry :— -" No, come with me. {Exit Gertie and Ernest. Harry 
and Mabel come down front and sit on rustic seat.) Mabel, I 
have something to say to you that pains me more than you can ever 
know ; something that I would never have dreamed you guilty of. 
It came from the lips of a stranger to me as he was talking to an- 
other person. I heard your name and I listened; 'twas while yon 
were dancing with that Frank Smith. I acknowledge I iiave often 
accused you wrongfully, but I cannot be mistaken this time. {He 
looks at her sternli/.) You are very silent; you think ii useless to 
talk." 

Mabel : — " Yes, it is useless; you go on and finish as I haven't the 
least idea of what you intend saying." 

Harry:—" I have always thought that if your father would coun- 
tenance that miseralile Frank Smith you would marry him; I have 
heard enough to-night to convince me, and now I see why you act 
so strangely. You love him instead of me; you have worshipped 
liim from childhood, and you accept my company that you may 
meet him. He ha.=i boasted to others that I would soon know jnst 
where I belonged; that you were reared in elegance, and that mar- 
rying a pool" lawyer was something you never dreamed of. Mal)el, 
you should be woman enough to tell me." 

Mabel : — [Rising.] " I am too much of a woman to act that 
which I do not feel. So many times have I heard something simi- 
lar to this, and so many times I have asked forgiveness when there 
was no reason for me to ask to be forgiven, vet I have. humored 3'ou 
in this unreasonable jealousy. You should be man enough to know, 
to appreciate, what I have endured for you. I have endured your 
fits of jealousy simply because you were not as wealthy as I. You 
ought to know me by this time; you should have m<n-e confidence 
in me than to credit such a story for a moment. It was a story got- 
ten up expressly for your ears, and to hurt your feelings; an enemy 
of yours or mine, perhaps. You know how dearly T love you, but I 
cannot always ask forgiveness for something T am ]3erfectly ignor- 



f I 78 JGERTRUDE MASON. 

ant of. Not a word of that which you have repeated is true. I can 
no longer endure this, Harry ; if this is a specimen of what my life 
is to be, to be erer in fear of your jealousy, why, it will soon be- 
come a dread, and there will be no happiness for either. So, if you 
really believe this now — but sometime in the future you will realize 
your mistake; come to me, Harry, as I shall wait for you long as life 
lasts. I cannot ask forgiveness again when I am innocent of a wrong 
thouglit concerning you. (Goes toward house.) Good bye." 

Harry: — \_Surprisecl.'\ " I am surprised; she b as always been so 
meek before. I never thought Mabel could talk like that; she would 
ask forgiveness when I was all to blame; but I am not to blame 
now; this ma,n knew her well; she has loved Frank Smith from 
childhood. I know she gives him the nicest dances on the program, 
and, again, it may be an enemy. Yet, he told the story so plain, 
drew the picture so real ! 1 could never wed a woman who loved 
another. Yes, T believe his story and yet, how dare I dispute Ma- 
bel? " [Goes toward houae.l 



SCENE IV. 

Same as in Scene II — Enter Loceno, smiling. 

LocENO : — "Ah ha! I knew his jealous nature! He will never 
know me and a doubt will always cling to him. She will suffer a 
little if- not the most intense. He is a jealous man. and sometime 
in the future, when she thinks she is happy, he will relate this story 
I told him to-night. He will noi; forget it. foi', mark me, a jealous 
man never forgets. {Ta.kes out paper.) Now I will write to Mrs. 
Howard; she is in the far West, and any news concerning the un- 
hfippiness of Mabel will be thankfully received. (Writes.) ' My dear 
Mrs. Howard: I saw Harry Hanford — ', I am weaker to day than 
usual. {Sileuce, as If ivritmg. Puts letter in pocket.) Now, when 
she reads this she will know why I am so far away. I &'aw Ciertie 
in the mazy dance; Gertie, beautiful as ever! and she saw me, yet 
she could not believe it was Loceno, but the strong resemblance 
made her shudder; a shudder! I could die happy could she smile 
on me once; no smile, but instead — a shudder! There is nothing 
for me here. There is a little rock on the river edge, not far from 
here; one leap and ' t will all be over. No I was not a fit companion 
for human being, but I can be food for the fish. {Goes toward 
wood.) Food for the fish! " [Takes out haridkerchiejt to ivlpe face 
and letter falls unnoticed. Exit] 



■^ GHERTRUDE MASON. 79 |(| 

SCENE V. 

Frame house— Yard— Walk from Left— Sign overdoor, ''SUB WKIGHT, 
Milliner & Dress-maker."— Several couple go in— Lantern hangs at door.' 
— Hofius walking toward house with violin. 

HoFius:— " Now, darned if I don't think Squash Holler is im- 
provin' fast. Milliner shop, blacksmith shop; well I'll give 'em 
some new jigs to-night. {Rmds sign.) ' Sue Wright, Milliner and 
Dressmaker.' I wish Gertie and Mal»el were here to-night, they'd 
see a dance if I do manage the bow. Guess I'll play a little and 
see if they air expecting me." [Sits under window play iag when 
Sue comes to door. Sue lisps.] 

Sue: — " Hof. Hathkins, come right in here; why did you cojne 
tho late? I geth it ith thum of your new-fangled ideaths j-ou got 
up at your Uncle Jim's. Out of thith, we are all ready to danth." 
[StepH out by 1dm.] 

Hofius: — " Golly, Sue, you are right up in all the fashion." 

Sue : — " Do you thuppose becauth we live in the country that we 
don't know what sthyle is? we do, you bet." 

Hofius:--" Don't talk so tarnel hateful. Susie; you know I like 
you, don't you." 

Sue: — " I alwayth thupposed you did." 

Hofius : --" No suppose to it, I always did. I can play some new 
waltzes. (Plays, leans toward her.) My hand goes pretty fast, 
don't it? (Kisses her. She loipes mouth with sleeve. Hof. Laughs.) 
You see; Susie, that's where the extra comes in. don't you? " 

Sue : — " Thaths real mean in you. (Laughs.) I can't help laughin' 
but I am mad." 

Hofius ; — " Now, Susie, don't get cantankerous when you know 
I like you, don't you, Susie? " • 

Sue:—" I alwayths thupposed you did," 

Hofius: — " Now, before we go in, tell me what your favorite is." 

Sue : — " The girl I left behind me; the waj' ,>ou used to call it, so 
it would come in rhyme and soundf^d so pretty." 

Hofius: — " All right ; I always do as you want me to, <lon*t I, 
Sue?" 

gxjE:— " I alwayths thupposed you did." 

They go in — Two more couple come up walk, knock and enter —Loud laughing 
—Tuning violin, heard within— House parts finding Hofius playing the violin, 
'Girl I left behind me/ beating time with foot. 



80 GERTRUDE MASON. 

SCENE YI. Kitchen— Interior. 

HoFius : — " All take pardners an' form on for ' Girl I left behind 
me.' (A number crowd on. Sue and her partner ahead.) No crowd- 
in' around there. Hello there, Bill snooks, yon. and Sam Wilson wait 
'till nest dance. {They retire unimllinghj.) Are you all ready fur 
biz? (All reply Yes.) If I wasn't the fiddler Susie knows who I 
would dance with, dpn't you, Sue ? " 

Sue: — " I alwayth thupposed I did." [Orchestra %)lays 'Girl I 
left behind me.') 

HoFius : - -" AddiiCQiiS your sweetness. 

First two couple forward and back ; 

■ Sides two couple, mind you, 

Balance to your lady fair 

And sioinq that girl behind you. 

(Plays last half over.) 

Oh. -balance to jev pardner agin. 

Then to the right she passes, 

Oh, ladies, swing the right-hand gent, 

Then swing yer honey molasses. 

Oh. gir-rils swing the right-haud gent. 

Then swing yer honey molasses. 

First gent balance to the lady at the right, 

' Then swing his little rosa, 

All jine hands hands and circle to the left. 

Then swing each little posie. 

Oh forward all aSd V>ack agin, 

And listen to the fiddle, 

Boys, swing your lass-es half-way 'round 

And. crack ' er down in the middle. 

Boys, swing yer duckies half-way 'round 

And crack ' er down in the middle, 

(Draws how over strings.) Seats! (Exit through side door, crowd, 
each other in going out. Hofius loipes forehead.) I tell you that's 
dancing ; makes the sweat run. It's biz to play for a dance. Guess 
I'll git a drink of cider." [Exit through door. Scene closes m.] 



GERTRUDE MASON. 81 

SCENE VII. 

^ Path as in Scene II— Enter Gertie and Mabel dressed for a walk. 

GtERTie:— " How strange you talk, Mabel." 

Mabel :— " Really, Gertie, I am almost sorry I said it." 

Gertie :— " Mabel, do you repent so soon? What did you say to 
'Harry that sounds so terrible? " 

Mabel: — "Oh, I said— I do not know as I remember exactly; 
but one thing was this : that if I ever spoke to him again it would 
be when he came to me. Perhaps I said worse things; I hope not; 
perhaps I did, but I hope not, I hope I did not! " 

Gertie : — " Mabel, so long as you humor him in his jealousy, 
just so long he will have those spells; perhaps he will until you be- 
long to him." 

Mabel: — " Our wedding day was near at hand, yet he remains 
away." 

Gertie : — " I will tell you what to do." 

Mabel: — " Do not tell me anything wrong, for Harry isn't so 
very bad after all." 

Gertie : — " Why,»dear Mabel, do you think I would have you do 
Harry a wrong? Do you remember when you told me what course 
to pursue in regard to Ernest ?<• Am I not being repaid? T took 
your advice and to-day I see him worsJiipping me as I did him, and 
I glory m it. He turned from me once ay though I was a little 
child, or as though a broken heart was soon mended ; but eoon he 
will know how to sympathize with the broken-hearted. To-morrow 
he wishes to see me alone ; how I have worked for this ; how untiring 
have been my efforts; and to-morrow he shall be paid! He thinks 
1 love him, and when he asks for my love, ah, Mabel, I shall see him 
suffer as I have suffered. But how selfish to talk of my affairs and 
neglect yours." 

Mabel : — " I like to listen to you, but Harry has not done so bad 
as Ernest; I could not take such advice as that." 

Gertie: — "T can say nothing against Harry, only let him go 
awhile, he will soon see his mistake and humbly ask forgiveness." 

Mabel: — " Then I wish he would hurry, I cannot wait much 
longer. How could he believe such a falsehood! This is not the 
first time he has been angry, and I was augrv. and ugly, too. Har- 
ry is so sweet I cannot imagine why he should ever be liateful; he 
may never forget." 



82 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Gertie: — " I believe you are fretting unnecessarily." 

Mabel: — "Perhaps I am, but I am terribly in love! {Gertie 
laughs.) I am, truly. I feel cross toward everyone; I want to scoid 
and fret continually; but one word from Harry would bring me out 
as tame and docile. (Exit Gertie L.) Oil, dear! oh, dear! Yes, 'tis 
true; if Harry says the meanest things imaginable to m^s he has 
only to turn around and say: ' Come here, little kitten,' and I come, 
mewing and purring along to him; if the next moment he says scat, 
I scat. {Looks for Gertie.) Am I alone? I presume I ought to be, 
and Gertie has probably gone away disgusted. Sopae people can 
be in love and retain their senses, but as Cousin Hofius would say, 
'taint me, {Leavinq.) 'taint me." [ExitL. Enter Ernest and, Ger- 
tie.] 

Ernest : — " I am glad I met you ; how did you happen here alone? 
Where is Mabel?" 

Gertie: — " I left her here; she v,'as feeling rather down-hearted. 
Everyone has their sorrows." 

Ernest; -" You cannot have any sorrows; you have all thnt is 
required to make one happy. To make one happy, if you are not, 
I would like to know is required." 

Gertie: — " Would you? sometime I may tell you." 

Ernest : — " You may tell me to-morrow when* I call. You will be 
there, will you not? " 

Gertie : — " Certainlv. T shall be here and anxiously aWaiting vour 
coming." [Ernest tips hat and exit L. Gertie hows and exit K] 

SCENE VIII. 

Parlor as in Scene 1 — N"ora enters flourishing letter. 

Nora: — " I wonder, I^wonder where is Miss Mabel? Tho girriil 
is niver here whin I calls her; an' a letther, too, for her; amt it a 
big letther? may be it's from her swate-heart. Spakin' o' swate- 
hearts makes me think o' Tim, poor, long-forgotten Tim. In his 
last letther he writes he expects to be here soon. Ah. Tim, your 
Nora is waitin' an' watchin' fur yez, watchin' an' waitin', waitin' an' 
watchin'. Ah, heaven bless me. {Enter Mabel.) Here's a letther, 
Miss Mabel." [Ma.bel throws Jtprself despondently in a chair.] 

Mabel : — " Take my hat and wraps ; I am too tired to read any- 
one's letter, put it on the table. [Nora puts it on table.] 

Nora: — " Sure, an' it's not me that could rest aisy a knowin' that 



GERTRUDE MASON. 83 

such a big, fat lettlier was waitin' me to read. No, no; not Nora 
McCartj." [Exit L.] 

Mabel : — " I wonder why Gertie does not come. I am so tired." 
[Enter Hilton and Minnie holding hands. Minnie carries book.] 

MiNNTE-— " I have read the book yon gave me, Mabel; see what 
a lovely one Uncle gave me this morning; isn't it pretty? Uncle, 
tell Mabel what we are all going to do." 

Hilton:—" I am going to Drury Lake on business in a few days 
and thought it would be pleasant for you, Minnie and Gertie to ac- 
company me." [Enter Gertie.] 

Mi-Nm¥.:— [Delighted.] " You came too late to hear the news; we 
ar^ all going to Drury Lake on a pleasure excursion ; and (Sli.oics 
book.) look at my beautiful new book." 

Gertie : — " It is a lovely book. Where did you say we were 
going? " 

Hilton: — " Ernest and I are obliged to go to Drury Lake on im- 
portant business and thought it would be a pleasant trip for all. " 

Gertie: — " I am willing, ^m snre T would enjoy it; and you, too, 
are going, are you, Minnie? " 

Minnie : — " Yes, we are all going. ( Mabel rises and opens letter.) 
Come into the library. Uncle, please." [Both exit.] 

Mabel: — [Showing delight and surprise.] "Oh, Gertie! you 
cannot tell who it is from, and such a long one, too." 

Gertie: — "I will warrant it is from penitent Harry; your face 
tflls me as much." 

Mabel: — "Yes, yes; listen: 'Darling Mabel!' Ha, ha! 'You 
little abused darling; I feel so guilty, so ashamed of myself That 
sounds just like Harry. "To think that I should accuse you. of de- 
ceiving me; there was not a word of truth in it.' i told Harry there 
was no truth in it. ' Thf^ story was told by Loceno Diluppa and 
intended for my ears. He lost the letter he wrote and I found it.' " 

Gertie : — " Loceno Diluopa ! there, I knew I saw him the night 
of the party; I knew hij^ wicked (Shudd.ers.) face." 

Mabel: — " " The letter was written to Mrs. Howard; I found it 
near the Deep River valley, where he put an end to his life.' Thf^re, 
Gertie, he will frighten us no more. • Darling Mabel, I have caused 
you many tears.' I should think he had. (Sobs.) I always cry when 
Harrv and I have a fuss; I must cry. Oh. dear! isn't this a good 
letter? ' I am anxious to see you, and. dear Mabel, forgive me this 



84: GERTRUDE MASON. 

once; I shall never be so silly again.' He knows I will forgive hitn. 
He signs his name in the same peculiar style; look! " [Shows letter, 
Gertie laughs.] 

Gertie :■ — " Why, Mabel, the letter is turned wrong side up. " 

Mabel: — [Laughing.] It is? It is Harry, anyway. Gertie,- 1 am 
just as happy as I Cd,n be. I am so glad he found out the truth of 
the matter. I must write him immediately, shall I not, Gertie? " 

Gertie : — " Certainly; Harry is penitent, acknowledges his wrongs 
and, in fact, a splendid fellow and loves you dearly, Mabel." 

Mabel : — " I know he does, I know he loves me, but he is so 
jealous." 

Gertie : — " And, if I am not mistaken, he is not altogether disa- 
greeable to you. " ^ 

Mabel: —" No, not entirely so; but I believe I will tease him a 
while; he knows how silly I am and he is confidant he will get an 
answer this very day, and I guess I will wait ' till to-morrow. (Looks 
at letter.) Yet, it is a sweet little letter, and supposing something- 
would happen him soon and I have it on my mmd that he was neg- 
lected a moment; perhaps I had better write; I will do just as you 
say." 

Gertie:—" You should write, as there will be no rest for you, he 
or any of us so long as you are waiting." 

Mabel : — " I like your advice, but cannot say as much tor the 
manuer you have of expressing yourself. Where were you so long 
this afternoon ? " 

Gertie: — " I met Ernest unexpectedly; he was, as usual, pleased 
to meet me; spoke again of his wishing to see me alone. The 
time is near, Mabel; I long for revenge, and yet, I shall miss the 
pleasant morning calls, the afternoon visits, the evenings at the 
opera where the music had found a charm it had not possessed in 
years. All the hours and days that glide so ^oldenly into our hopes 
and dreams that tliey become henceforth so iuseperable that in no 
sense of retrospection are we able to tell whether the sunshine 
made the vision so beautiful, or the dream lit the hours with untold 
glory. Ah, yes; I shall miss it all; cast it aside for revenge; yet, 
why am I to pray for revenge, when every christian loaches forgive- 
ness to our foes ? " 

Mabel :—" It does seem wicked when you know he loves you: 
but you say you cannot forgive him." 

Gertie: — "I could but I do not care to; no, I shall not act the 
baby now. He has seen me excel in all my undertakings; he saw 



GERTRUDE MASON. 85 

me. try to conceal the tears the clay he left me lu the little park; he 
had no pity for me then and I have none for him to-day. If there 
are any tears shed he shall shed them." lEnter Nora.] ' 
Nora:—" Mr. Vaughn wishes to see Miss Gertrude." 

Gertie:— "Oh, tell him I await his presence in the parlor." 
[Exit Nora.] 

Mabel:—" Gertie, I feel very sorry for you, sorry for Ernest. 
Perhaps you are doing injustice to yourself." 

Gertie: — "I think not; you go and write to Harry." ' 
Mabel :— " Yes, T shall as soon as I get to my room." [Ejrit Ma- 
bel. Enter Ernest.] 

Ernest : -" Good evening, Gertrude. [Leads her to sofa.] I am 
pleased to see you looking so happy. I sincerely hope what I may 
say to you will not change the expression of your face." 

Gertie : — " If my face expresses happiness then, indeed, it speaks 
the language of my heart." 

Ernest: — " You undoubtedly know why I asked to see you alone. 
Gertrude, I love you; love you with all the strength of my man- 
hood, all the power of my soul. Y'ou may think it strange that I 
could wait no longer; but, Gertie, could you but realize the great 
depth of my affection you would pardon all. I know that I should 
have waited 'till I earned it, only forgive me that I could not. I 
ask only half the- affection I give you. Can you ever care for mv^? 
(Remairis silent.) Are vou angry, Gertie, that vou do not answer 
me? " 

Gertie: — " No, no; I am not angry." 

Ernest: — " Then do not longer punish me. Y''ou must care some- 
thing for me. God could not be so unkind, so lU-uel as to send this 
great love to me only to be a blight on my life. Can you love me? 
Did you ever care for me ? " 

Gertie: — " Did I ever care for you? Ah, Ernest, that is an idle 
question. You know bow much I loved you. Did I love you? oh, 
heavens ! better than the whole world ; than my own life. If I had 
not loved you would I have asked you to picture the woman to me 
that you could call ' wife,' and I not spare any pains to make myself 
as near the picture as I could so that you would love me as denrlv 
as I did you ? " 

Ernest :- -[JiTnefi/ing, kisse.^ Jtand.] "Do you mean what you 
tell me? Gertrude, did von do this that I might some day love 
vou? "• 



86 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Gertie : — " Yes ; let me tell you : I was younger when I first met 
you; I knew nothing of the selfishness of this world; I met you, I 
thought you loved me ; you gave me every reason to think it ; you 
grew to be my idol; I worshipped every move; year actions told me 
your love, until the last moment when you left me. I struggled to 
conceal ihe tears, but you saw thorn, Ernest." 

Ernest: — " Gertrude, my great love can only repay yon. Ger- 
trude, do you love me now as you did then ? " 

Gertie i — " Do I? Here is the little llower yon gave me the day 
you left me in the park; I have kept it as a memento of the sweet- 
est days of my life and the bitterest. You say you love me, Ernest; 
do you love me, Ernest, love me dearly as I did you? '' 

Ernest : — " I haye said to you what I never said to woman before ; 
I come to you with the question from my soul to yours, finding in 
you the womanly nature for which my heart has yearned. You are 
my idol, perfect as God could make it. " 

Gertie : — " You may think differently. You love me ! How I 
have longed to hear you say this. I have labored to win this from 
you, and I have succeeded beyond my expectations. (BiseH,) But, 
Ernest Vaughn, why did I want you to love me? for revenge! " [He 
rises and stares.] 

Ernest:— "What? what?" 

Gertie: — " I have longed to hear you say that you loved me; I 
know you do with your whole soul, and I glory in it! 

Ernest: — " Are you mad, or are you a demon? " 
Gertie : — " Neither, neither ; but I remember tliree years ago 
when you left me so mercilessly, and the memory of that baffled 
affection has rendered my life miserable. (E7'nest weeps.) OJi, weep; 
tears befit those eyes that send grief into their beams; those shin- 
ing eyes, which, like the serpent, have charmed onl}'- to kill." [Er- 
nest falls on knees, spreads hand kerchief over face.] 
Ernest: — " Mercy! mercy! Oh, heaven, have mercy! " 

Gertie: — " ])id you have mercy when you taught me to love you 
so much that only death could have seperated me from jou until 
you scorned my love and turned it to hatred? I know that you 
love me, that you will always love me; your life will be one living 
curse to you as mine has been to me." 

Ernest: — " Forbear, forbear; my heart is breaking. Oh, Ger- 
trude, God knows I did not realize what I done. Oh^ I could for- 
give anything in you. You never loved me or you would not be so 
merciless." [Rises.] 



GERTRUDE MASON. 87 

Gertie:—" I loved you wildly, passionatel;> , but it was a trifling 
matter with you." 

Ernest:—" But, Gertrude—" 

Gertie :— " I will not listen, I cannot; my faith is gone, my hope 
is gone. You have taught me to be so wicked I cannot forgive 
you. " 

Ernest:—" If I have been false, yow have been none the less so. 
(Retreats slowly.) God forgive us! Do I deserve so much? For- 
give me! " [Exit] 

Gertie :— " He's gone, gone ; and I have had my revenge. I have 
lived for revenge, yes, sulifered, but revenge is at last rnine! Ye*-., 
' tis a eowar.lly thing to do. No heart? Ah, Ernest Vaughn, you 
can never dream of one truth, the love that filled my heart; and to- 
day I have cast it aside ! He says if he has been false I have been 
none the less so. True, too true ! He did not make it the study of 
years to make me suffer. How plainly T see those pleading eyes 
begging for mercy, and I laughed at his pleading. No, no; I am 
the wicked one. Oh, what torture ! I feel a queer sensation, one 
that the guiltjr feel. But he has gone, gone! If he has been false 
I have been none the less so ! No forgiveness, he has gone. Too 
late, too late; he has gone and I have sent him. The winds ring 
out the funeral knell of departed hopes and vanished resolutions. 
My life is a lonely one; but when with him the earth is beautiful, 
life then is worth living for. Could we forget and forgive? Could 
I be happy with him now if he could forgive? Could I? Is there 
no one to tell me, no one to advise me? No, no; no (me; I am 
alone. {Kneels In attitude of praijer.) Merciful Father, hear and 
forgive." \ Scene closes in while she remains in prayer.] 

SCENE IX. 

Path as in Scene VII —Enter fSmest slowly. 

Ernest: — " I wonder why Harry does not eome, I have waited 
long and anxiously. I will walk along, perhaps I may meet him. 
What shall I say to him? Oh, Gertrude! that name, the one ab- 
solving thouglit of my nature; must I live without you, live only to 
think of the gem I have lost? No, she will never forgiv(^! If she 
was at my mercy, oh, how gladly would I clasp her to my heart and 
forgive ; but women do not forgive as easily as men. Perhaps I 
shall see her again, but my coiu-age has gone. Merciful Heaven, 
sustain me! " [E.juit L. Enter Tim Finnecj an drawing paper from 
pocket.] 



88 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Tim: — "Nora, me darlint, jou would niver suspect seeiii' yer 
Tim ; bu^. he's here, Nora, an' full o' Oirish thricks. Ah, Nora, I will 
decave ye (puts on whiskers.) wid these whiskers. But where is 
the letther she last wrote me? Here it is; the last letther. Ah, 
me little darlint, she'll go wild wid joy whin she sets her two beautiful 
eyes o^ her darlint Tim. (Reads.) ' Me own swate-hoart, Tim; I am 
nearly wild wid grief a livin' an' a livin' here alone an' alone all me 
days, and you a livin' in ould Oireland.' Ah, he, he! she's badly 
decayed for I am here; Tim's here. Begorra, Nora, an' I'll rade 
more of the swate letther : 'Ah, Tim, I think of ye all the long- 
day, an' niver a bit o' slape comes to me eyes for the dramin' o' yiz, 
Don'c I moind the hat, tlie gre^ii band, that beaufcii'al necktie and 
that illegant rid hair with the beautiful mouth and tlie beautiful 
face. Ah, Tim, I wud know yez among a hundred that looked Jist 
loike ye. Come to America, Tim, me boy; T love ye an' am true to 
me swate-heart.' (Puts letter in pocket.) Why, Nora, I niver doubt- 
ed yer love. (Goes off stage slowhj. Smgiiig.) ])on't think that 
iver I'll doubt ye; me love I'll^^iver conceal." [Exit.] 



SCENE X. 
Grove and flowers — Hilton holding Minnie's head among the blossoms. 

Hilton: — " What is that flower, do you know its name? " [Enter 
Harry and Mabel.] 

Minnie :— " Souie kind of a pink. Here's Mabel and Harry. Oh, 
Mabel, to-morrow we go to Drury Lake; I am so glad, arn't yon, 
Mabel? We may stay a whole week, perhaps longer." 

Harry: — " I did not know you were anticipating a visit." 

Mabel: — "I thought of going wiih Papa, Ernest, Gertie and 
Minnie." 

Harry: — " So I was to be left out; you wouldn't leave me now, 
would you? " 

Mabel: — " No, certainly; I would not go now unless you could." 
[Harry laughs.] 

Harry: — "You are a courageous little armful." [Hilton turns 
and, laughs.] 

Hilton: — " Such performances are better appreciated when the 
parties are alone, I should think." [Mabel ayid Harry look silly.] 

Harry: — " Excuse me; I had forgotten anyone w^as near; I will 
try to be more circumspect in the future. Mr. Hilton, will you ac- 



aERTRUDE MASON. 89 

cjmpany me to the office? I have the papers for Minnie's money all 
straigb fc now. I would like to have Minnie and Mabel go to the 
office, too, if they will." 

Hilton:—" Certainly we will go; come girls." [All exit L. Enter 

Gertie K] 

1:^ QUA -.—[Enter back.\ " Miss Gertrude, did you see Mr. Hilton? 
A gintleman wants to spake wid him. It is the Mr. Vaughn; he 
tooks so sorraful I balave he must be goin' away." 

Gertie : — " Then Uncle was the only person he asked to see ? " 

Nora : — " Yis ; (Enter Tim L.) he said : ' Do you know, Nora, if 

Mr. Hilton is in?' an' I says: 'I'll go an' see.' " [Gertie sits in 

front.] 

Tim : — " Plaze, ma'm, kin you tell me how long the distance is 
from here to Mr. Hilton's risidence? " [Nora points at lioiise.] 

Nora : — " Yis. sur; right there is the house, and this is their grove, 
but he isn't in there, or he wasn't whin I left the house, but he may 
be there this very minit." 

Tim: — " Thin ye air acquainted in the family, air ye? " 

Nora: — " Aint I though? Don't I work there week afther week, 
month afther month, day afther day? " 

^ Tim: — " Listen, thin, an' I'll tell ye: There is a gintleman in the 
ould counthry that loves their maid, Nora; an' he said I must come 
here an' tell her so mesilf ; an' that he will soon come to America." 

Nora:— " Heavens an' meicy! Holy mither! do ye mean Tim? 
An' did ye behold Tim's beautiful face wid yer own eyes? " 

Tim: — "Ah ha, vis. Does she remimber her ould swate-heart, 
Tim?" 

Nora : — " She thinks o' Tim ivery day. Ah, yis ; I know the gir- 
rnl well, an' it's dyin' she is to look on his swate face; an' she will 
die of a broken heart if I can't see him." [Puts ajjronto eijes infiile 
Tim takes off ivJdskers and goes to her.] 

Tim: -" Nora, me darlint, this is yer own beautiful Tim." 

l^oiiA;--\ Screami7ig.] " Ah, Lord be praised! Why did ye de- 
cave me? Oh, heaven bless ye! Oh, Holy Mother, I shall die! " 
[Faints and falls ; Tim and Gertie rub her hands.] 

Tim:—" Ah. Nora, is it dyin' ye air? Me long lost Nora, air ye 
dead? OJi, me darlint, spake to me once and tell me air ye dead. 
Shmile on yer own beautifal Tim, and don't kape so soilent, ; shmile 
wid that beautiful mouth once more. Say, Nora, air ye dyin'? 
(Puses and runs in all directions.) Let me git some wather ; where 
shall I go?" 



90 GERTRUDE MASON. 

Nora : — " Tim, no use to go fur wather, as it's dead I am by this 
toime. {Enter Ernest and Minnie L. Nora risen, acts angry) Say, 
Tim, tliey air all comin' here, no toime fur me to git through wid 
the faiutin'. Pick up yer wig an' we'll go to the house. (Tim laughs 
loud.] Tim, don't laugh so load, ye'll kill me, for me head is nearly 
split open wid pain." [Takes Tim's arm. throws roll of clothes 
over back, exit back.] 

MOONLIGHT. 

Gertie confused and Ernest sad — Minnie laughing at Tim. 

Ernest ; — " (J-ood evening, Gertrude ; it seems that you have 
been witnessing quite a scene," 

Gertie: — "The sudden appearance of Nora's sweet-heart quite 
overcome her. Altogether, it was quite laughable." 

Minnie: — "Doesn't he look funny? Cousin Gertie, you hate to 
have Mr. Vaughn leave us, don't you?" 

Gertie: — " Certainly, Minnie; why do you ask?" 

Minnie : — " When I told him he must go and bid you good b'ye, 
he said you would not care to see him, but I knew you would, and 
you are glad he came, aren't you?" 

Gertie: — " Yes, Minnie, I am." 

Ernest: — " Children, in their innocence, wring falsehoods from 
the truthful, do they not, Gertie?" 

Gertie: — " Was it a falsehood?" [Mi'tmie interrupts.] 
Minnie : — " I must go and meet Uncle; he is coming." [Exit L.] 

Ernest: — " How can it be true that you wanted to see mo? If 
you hate me as yoa say, there can b3 no pleasure in seeing my face. 
Why am I so repulsive to you ? when I love you with a love that 
absorbs my whole soul — my whole life. I have made a great mis- 
take, and so have you. Does it look right for hs to make each oth- 
er miserable? I wish there was a way to retrieve the wrong, that 
you could forgive me; I could you, oh, so easily! No, you cannot 
forget. T shall go where I will never see your face again. I wish I 
might never look on face of woman again. Oh, Gertrude; you re- 
joice in my sufferings! If yoa have toiled for the purpose of see- 
ing me suffer, you have not toiled in vain. Had you put a bullet 
through my heart, then I should have been out of my misery, I 
cannot remain here, {Tim and Nora in the distance. Hilton 
and Minnie, Harry and Mabel, not noticing Ernest and 
Gertie.) Oh. Gertrude; you do not even pity me! Have you no 
heart?" 



GERTRUDE MASON. 91 

Gertie: — " I once had a heart . " [Ernest comes toward Iter.] 

Ernest:--" Then are you heartless? Your face does not speak 
it. You will pardon me for coming to say farewell. The last time 
I shall ever look in your beautiful face! Yes, I must go! (GlasiJS 
her in his arms and kisses passionately .) Gertrude, can it be that 
I shall never see you again? Farewell! Gertie, farewell forever! 
(Raises hand over head in supplication.) Oh, God, forgive us, 
and, in your mercy, watch over her until we meet in heaven, where 
all things are forgiven ! (Staggers, puts hand on head.) Farewell ! " 
Ernest leaves slowly — Gertie tries to speak but cannot; at last she screams. 

Gertie: — "Ernest! He does not hear me. Ernest! (Ernest re' 
turns., looks surprised.) One moment: I know that I have been 
cruel, so cruel; I thought I was living for revenge, but oh, Ernest! I 
was living for your love; without it I shall die. Cau you take me 
with all my faults? Can you forgive me? " [He clasps her in his 
arms. All turn toward front.] 

Ernest: — " With all my heart." ^ 

CURTAIN. 



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